'Moth-Eaten' Alopecia Areata Mimicking Alopecia Syphilitica

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair loss that can affect frequently scalp but also any hair-bearing area. Hair loss is present with sharply demarcated areas. The disease is frequently seen in children and young adults. Both genetic, environmental and psychological factors are responsible in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. An 35 year old woman applied to our polyclinic compliant with hair loss which presents over a two year period. Any of the family members had a similiar compliant. On her dermatological examination there were multipl 'moth-eaten' areas of alopecia. A punch biopsy was performed. Patient diagnosed as alopecia areata. We report this case to emphasize alopecia areata and differential diagnosis of the disease.