Simon presents with alopecia areata with well-circumscribed patches of hair loss on the crown of his head.How do you respond when he asks you the cause?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alopecia areata is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that targets the hair follicles. While stress and genetics may play a role in some cases, the exact cause is not fully understood. Therefore, it is most appropriate to explain that the cause is unknown but believed to be related to an immunologic mechanism. Option A wrongly implies that stress is the sole cause, while option B assumes that the condition is hereditary, which is not always the case. Option D is also incorrect as there are no specific tests to confirm alopecia areata.

Simon Presents with Alopecia Areata with Well-Circumscribed Patches of Hair