Ophiasis

Ophiasis
Ophiasis
Specialty	Dermatology

Ophiasis^[1] is a form of alopecia areata characterized by the loss of hair in the shape of a wave at the circumference of the head.^[2]

It gets its name from Greek ὄφις ophis 'snake' because of the apparent similarity to a snake-shape and the pattern of hair loss.^[3]

The term "sisaipho" is used to characterize the inverse pattern. Sisaipho is, almost, the reverse spelling of ophiasis.^[4] It is also called "ophiasis inversus".^[5]

This form of hair loss "...targets the body's own hair follicles, resulting in hair loss..." and although the immune system could be attacking hair follicle melanocytes, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes,” the foundational cause of this disease is yet to be confirmed.^[6]

Pattern of hair loss

This is one among many types of patterns of hair loss, “in which they have band-link hair loss across the occiput.”^[7] Hair loss can take the form of patches of hair being removed and there can also be spontaneous regrowth as well.^[7]

Duration of hair loss

Ophiasis hair loss is one form in which the hair loss can further deteriorate and can extend “for more than a year.”^[7]

References

^ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
^ "DermaCase". Archived from the original on 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
^ "Definition: ophiasis from Online Medical Dictionary". Retrieved 2007-12-03.
^ "eMedicine – Alopecia Areata : Article by Chantal Bolduc, MD, FRCPC". Retrieved 2007-12-03.
^ Muñoz-Pèrez MA, Camacho FM (1999). "Sisaipho. Why ophiasis inversus?". Pediatr Dermatol. 16 (1): 76. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1470.1999.016001076.x. PMID 10028012. S2CID 39199456.
^ Khan, Pooya; Beigi, Mohammad (2018), "Diffuse Alopecia Areata", Alopecia Areata, Springer International Publishing, pp. 9–11, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7_2, ISBN 9783319721330
^ ^a ^b ^c Khan, Pooya; Beigi, Mohammad (2018), Alopecia Areata, Springer International Publishing, pp. 39–54, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7_8, ISBN 9783319721330