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Diseases » Alopecia » Glossary

Glossary for Alopecia

APECED Syndrome: APECED is a recessively inherited genetic disease characterized by the presence of two of the following three conditions: impaired parathyroid function, yeast infection (candidiasis) and impaired adrenal gland function (Addison's disease). It is an autoimmune disease resulting from a genetic defect. The body's immune system malfunctions and attacks it's own body tissues.
Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome: A rare disorder involving a number of mainly physical abnormalities.
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: A rare inherited malabsorption disorder where the body is unable to absorb zinc in adequate quantities.
Alopecia: Various types of hair loss or balding
Alopecia Areata: A condition involving one or more bald patches on the head. These patches may merge and lead to complete baldness.
Alopecia Totalis: An autoimmune disorder where there is a total loss of all head hair i.e. complete baldness.
Alopecia congenita keratosis palmoplantaris: An extremely rare condition characterized by thickening of skin on the palms and soles and lack of hair.
Alopecia, anosmia, deafness, hypogonadism syndrome: A rare
Alopecia, epilepsy, oligophrenia syndrome of Moynahan: A rare condition characterized by alopecia, epilepsy, mental retardation and a small head.
Alopecia-contractures-dwarfism-mental retardation: A rare syndrome characterized primarily by mental retardation, short stature, lack of hair and contractures.
Amyloidosis: A rare group of metabolic disorders where a protein called amyloid accumulates in body organs and tissues where it can cause damage and is potentially fatal. Symptoms depend on the organs involved. There are numerous forms of the condition: primary amyloidosis, secondary amyloidosis, hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis and familial amyloidosis.
Argentinean hemorrhagic fever: An infectious disease caused by the Junin virus. Transmission can occur through contact with infected rodent (usually the corn mouse) urine, feces or saliva. The incubation period lasts from one to two weeks. The disease is most common in rural workers in Argentina.
Atopic dermatitis: Skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, and pruritis. Often hereditary and associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Bald: A condition which is characterized by the loss of hair in an anatomical location
Baldness: Lack of hair where it usually grows. Usually on the head.
Biotinidase deficiency: A metabolic disorder where the body lacks the enzyme biotinidase needed to process the vitamin called biotin (vitamin H) into carboxylase enzymes.
Bolivian hemorrhagic fever: An infectious disease that occurs in Bolivia and is caused by the Machupo virus. Transmission can occur through contact with infected rodent (Calomys callosus) droppings. The incubation period lasts from one to two weeks.
Cantu syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by mental retardation, short stature, large skull, heart anomaly and various other abnormalities.
Chagas disease: A parasitic infection caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by insect bites or blood transfusions. The disease primarily involves the heart and gastrointestinal system.
Chemical poisoning - Thallium: Thallium is an element used for such things as electronic devices, selenium rectifiers, gamma radiation detection apparatus, transmission equipment and infrared radiation detection. It is also used as a catalyst in various manufacturing processes. Ingestion and other exposures to the chemical can cause various symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
Chromosome 12p tetrasomy syndrome: A rare chromosomal disorder where there are four copies of the short arm (p) of chromosome 12 rather than the normal two resulting in various abnormalities.
Clouston syndrome: A rare genetic ectodermal disorder characterized by skin, hair, nail and eye abnormalities.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: A malignancy of the T-cells which make up part of the body's immune system. The cancer is characterized by the excessive proliferation of T-cells which are a type of white blood cell. The degree of skin involvement is variable.
Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by increased skin pigmentation, thickened skin on palms and soles and reduced sweating.
Dubowitz Syndrome: A rare genetic and developmental disorder characterized by infantile eczema, small stature, microcephaly and peculiar facial features.
Dyskeratosis Congenita: A rare genetic disorder characterized by sking pigmentation abnormalities, nail dystrophy and mucous membrane changes.
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A rare inherited skin blistering condition which can vary in severity depending on how it is inherited. Recessively inherited are more severe than dominantly inherited cases and can cause the loss of patches of skin and scarring which can impair limb function.
Ectodermal dysplasia - hypohidrotic - hypothyroidism - ciliary diskinesia: A rare syndrome characterized by alopecia (A), nail problems (N), eye problems (O - ophthalmic), thyroid dysfunction (T), reduced sweating (H - hypohidrosis), freckles (E-ephelides), intestinal disease (E - enteropathy) and respiratory tract infections (R).
Ectrodactyly - Ectodermal Dysplasia - Cleft Lip/Palate Syndrome, Type 1: EEC (Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, cleft lip/palate) is a rare inherited condition characterized by split hand and foot deformities of variable severity, cleft lip or palate and teeth and hair anomalies. There are two main types of EEC which differ in the origin of the genetic defect. Type 1 is caused by a defect on chromosome 7q11. The severity and type of symptoms and deformities is highly variable.
Ectrodactyly - Ectodermal Dysplasia - Cleft Lip/Palate Syndrome, Type 3: EEC (Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, cleft lip/palate) is a rare inherited condition characterized by split hand and foot deformities of variable severity, cleft lip or palate and teeth and hair anomalies. There are two main types of EEC which differ in the origin of the genetic defect. Type 3 is caused by a defect on chromosome 3q27. The severity and type of symptoms and deformities is highly variable.
Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip/cleft palate: A rare inherited condition characterized by abnormalities of the fingers, toes, hair, glands, eyes anr urinary tract.
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: A rare condition that occurs in some people who take the antidepressant L-tryptophan.
Epidermolysis bullosa, generalized atrophic benign: A rare inherited skin disorder characterized by fragile skin which blisters easily and often results in scars after healing. The condition is generally quite mild compared to other skin disorders involving fragile blistering skin.
Erythroderma: Condition with thickening and flaking skin
Follicular hamartoma - alopecia - cystic fibrosis: A rare syndrome characterized by small benign growths that develop in hair follicles, alopecia and cystic fibrosis.
Fungal infections: Any condition caused by fungus.
Hair conditions: Any disorder the affects the hair
Hair loss: Loss or thinning of head or body hair
Hair thinning: The thinning of ones hair
Harlequin type ichthyosis: A very rare genetic skin disorder where a newborn is covered with large plates of thick skin that cracks and splits.
Hay-Wells Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by ankyloblepharon, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
Hay-Wells syndrome, recessive type: A rare recessively inherited genetic disorder characterized by ankyloblepharon, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft lip and/or cleft palate. The recessive form of this condition is distinguished by the presence at birth of adhesions between the upper and lower jaws.
Hutchinson Gilford Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by alopecia and senile-like appearance.
Hypoadrenocorticism - hypoparathyroidism - moniliasis: An autoimmune disorder where hormone production by various glands is reduced. The main features of the disorder are Addison disease and/or hypoparathyroidism and/or chronic candidiasis.
Hypoparathyroidism familial isolated: A rare familial condition involving low levels of parathyroid hormone which upsets the body's ability to regulate calcium and phosphate. The severity of symptoms is determined by the how low the parathyroid hormone level is.
Hypopituitarism: A disorder caused by reduced pituitary hormone levels. Hormones produce by the pituitary gland produces growth hormones, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, antidiuretic hormone and others.
Hypothyroidism: Too little thyroid hormone production.
Hypotrichosis: Reduced amount of hair on head and/or body.
Hypotrichosis simplex: Abnormally sparse hair caused by a genetic anomaly.
Ichthyosis - alopecia - eclabion - ectropion - mental retardation: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by scaly skin, hair loss, mental retardation and outwardly turned eyelids and lips.
Ichthyosis congenita, Harlequin fetus type: A very rare genetic skin disorder where a newborn is covered with large plates of thick skin that cracks and splits.
Ichthyosis congenita, harlequin type: A very rare genetic skin disorder where a newborn is covered with large plates of thick skin that cracks and splits.
Ichthyosis follicularis-atrichia-photophobia syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by loss of hair, sensitivity to light and a skin disorder.
Ichthyosis vulgaris, sex-linked, recessive: A genetic skin condition caused by a deficiency of steroid sulfatase and characterized by large brownish scales which can occur almost anywhere on the skin and can be disfiguring. The face, scalp, palms and soles are usually not involved. The condition only occurs in males.
Incontinentia Pigmenti: A rare genetic skin pigmentation disorder characterized by eye, teeth, bone, nail and hair malformations as well as central nervous abnormalities and mental deficiency.
Iron deficiency: When there is a deficiency of iron in the body
Keratosis pilaris: A condition characterized by hyperkeratosis which is limited to the hair follicles
Kuster-Majewski-Hammerstein syndrome: A very rare disorder characterized mainly by alopecia, retarded growth and eye problems. The loss of scalp hair is repetitive and the eye problem involves ring-shaped degeneration of the retinal pigmentary layer.
Mandibuloacral dysplasia: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a prematurely aged appearance and bone abnormalities. There are two subtypes with type B involving loss of fat layers under the skin mainly in the extremities, face and trunk whereas type A involves mainly the extremities. The severity of the symptoms is variable.
Mandibuloacral dysplasia with type A lipodystrophy: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a prematurely aged appearance and bone abnormalities. Loss of fat layers under the skin occurs mainly in the extremities in type B. The severity of the symptoms is variable.
Menopause: The end of female menstruation and fertility.
Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism, type 3: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by dwarfism.
Monilethrix: A type of hair shaft abnormality involving constrictions at various points along the hair shaft which gives it a beaded appearance. The severity of the condition is variable.
Neuroectodermal endocrine syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by hormonal, hair, skin and brain abnormalities.
Oliver-McFarlane syndrome: A rare genetic condition characterized by mental retardation, dwarfism, retinal pigmentary degeneration and hairy eyelashes and eyebrows.
Orofaciodigital syndrome type1: A rare genetic disorder characterized by variable malformations of the face, digits and inside the mouth. Type 1 is distinguished from the other types of this condition by the presence of polycystic kidneys and a X-linked dominant inheritance.
PARC syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a cleft palate, recessed jaw, alopecia and a mottled skin appearance called poikiloderma.
Patchy hair loss: The occurrence of patchy hair loss
Patel-Bixler syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by the association of abnormal thickening of skin on palms and soles, nail abnormalities and alopecia.
Poikiloderma of Rothmund-Thomson: A rare disease which causes sufferers to have a senile-like appearance with skin, growth, hair and eye abnormalities.
Poisoning: The condition produced by poison
Polydactyly alopecia seborrheic dermatitis: A very rare disorder characterized by the association of extra digits, alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis.
Polyendocrine deficiency syndrome type 2: Multi-endocrine syndrome usually affecting young adults.
Porphyria, congenital erythropoietic: An extremely rare inherited metabolic disorder involving a deficiency of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen III cosynthase which results in increased deposits of porphyrin in the bone marrow, blood, urine, feces and sometimes teeth and bones.
Possible human carcinogenic exposure - Dacarbazine: Some evidence indicates that exposure to Dacarbazine has a possible link to an increased risk of developing cancer in humans. The carcinogenicity of the substance may be influenced by the duration and level of exposure. Dacarbazine is used as a chemotherapy drug.
Progeria: A rare fatal genetic disorder characterized by extremely premature aging.
Progeria short stature pigmented nevi: A very rare inherited disorder characterized by premature aging, short stature, and immune system deficiency. The type and severity of symptoms is variable.
Pseudoprogeria syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by absent eyelashes and eyebrows as well a mental retardation.
Psoriasis: Chronic skin rash condition, usually red or silver and blistery.
Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome: A rare genetic multi-system disorder characterized by skin, teeth, hair and/or nail abnormalities, reduced ability to sweat and oral clefts.
Retention of tears - ectrodactyly - ectodermal dysplasia - strange hair, skin and teeth: A rare syndrome characterized by a hand deformity and hair, skin and teeth abnormalities.
Sabouraud syndrome: A rare inherited disorder involving thin, dry, brittle hair which has a tendency to break off easily.
Satoyoshi syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized by alopecia, diarrhea, skeletal abnormalities and painful leg cramps caused by physical exercise or emotional stress.
Schopf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by thickened skin on palms and soles, missing teeth, sparse hair and eyelid cysts.
Scleroderma: A rare, progressive connective tissue disorder involving thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissue. There are a number of forms of scleroderma with some forms being systemic (involving internal organs).
Secondary syphilis: A condition which is characterized by fever, multiform skin eruptions, iritis, alopecia, mucous patches and severe pain in the head and joints
Senter syndrome: A rare genetic ectodermal disorder characterized by ichthyosiform erythroderma and sensorineural deafness.
Sezary syndrome: A rare type of lymphoma characterized by skin redness, leukemia and enlarged lymph nodes.
Shingles: Infectious viral infection occuring years after chickenpox infection.
Systemic lupus erythematoses: It is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that can affect any part of the body. As occurs in other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage
Sézary syndrome: A rare type of lymphoma characterized by skin redness, leukemia and enlarged lymph nodes.
Temporary hair loss: The temporary loss of ones hair
Thallium poisoning: The poisoning of a person with the element thallium
Thinning hair: A condition which is characterized by a decease in the amount of hair
Tinea capitis: A condition which is characterized by tinea of the scalp
Trichoscyphodysplasia: A rare inherited skeletal disorder involving abnormal bone development which results in short stature, short hands and feet and alopecia is also present.
Trichotillomania: A mental disorder where a person feels compelled to pull out their own hair.
Ulerythema ophryogenesis: A rare genetic disorder involving a slowly spreading redness of the eyebrows and cheeks followed by damage to the skin and loss of eyebrows.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by poliosis and hair, skin, eye and ear abnormalities as well as retinal detachment and neurological involvement.
Vohwinkel syndrome: A rare condition where tight bands of thickened skin form around the base of fingers and toes and generally leads to self-amputation of the digit. Hearing loss is also associated with the condition.
Whitaker syndrome: A condition that usually occurs in childhood caused by an autoimmune polyendocrinopathy
Zinc deficiency: When there is a deficiency of zinc in an individuals body