ABSTRACT
The characteristic patch of alopecia areata is usually round or oval and is completely bald and smooth. The alopecias have been classified into generalized or circumscribed alopecia, congenital or acquired alopecia, and alopecia with or without evidence of scarring. Congenital triangular alopecia, also known as temporal alopecia or temporal triangular alopecia is a congenital disorder that usually appears in childhood as a focal patch of fine vellus hairs with a usually triangular configuration in the temporal region of the scalp. Alopecia areata is considered to be of autoimmune origin with an organ-specific, T cell-mediated assault on the hair follicle at the level of the bulb. Treatment of traction alopecia depends on whether or not long-standing traction has resulted in permanent loss of hair. Management of traction alopecia is divided into prevention, treatment of early disease, and treatment of long-standing disease. Trichotillomania in connection with alopecia areata may pose a special diagnostic challenge.
