Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Alopecia
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Baldness. There are many types of alopecia, each with a different cause. Alopecia may be localized to the front and top of the head as in common male pattern baldness. It may be patchy as in a condition called alopecia areata. A variant of alopecia involves the entire head and is called alopecia capitis totalis. The word "alopecia" comes from the Greek "alopex" for "fox."