Which disorder is characterized by hair loss?

Alopecia is a disorder that primarily involves hair loss, affecting individuals by causing patches of baldness or, in more severe forms, complete loss of hair on the scalp or other areas of the body. This can occur due to various factors, including autoimmune reactions, hormonal changes, or genetic predisposition. The most common type, alopecia areata, specifically targets hair follicles leading to sudden hair loss.

In contrast, psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells resulting in scaly, red patches, but it does not directly cause hair loss. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin which can manifest as rashes, itching, and discomfort, rather than hair loss itself. Eczema, while it shares inflammation and itchiness similar to dermatitis, focuses on different triggers and symptoms related to moisture and skin barrier integrity rather than hair follicle health. Therefore, alopecia is the disorder uniquely recognized for its association with hair loss.