Alopecia is the medical term for what condition?

Alopecia is indeed the medical term for hair loss. This condition can manifest in various forms, affecting the scalp as well as other areas of the body where hair grows. There are different types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, which is characterized by sudden hair loss, and androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. The recognition of alopecia is important in medical practice, as it can have significant psychological and emotional impacts on individuals. Understanding this condition aids healthcare professionals in addressing the needs of patients experiencing hair loss.

The other options do not accurately describe the term alopecia, which is why they do not fit. Excessive hair growth refers to hypertrichosis, skin lesions pertain to various skin conditions rather than hair loss, and a contagious skin disease is not related to alopecia as it does not have an infectious origin. Therefore, the specific and clinical definition of alopecia as hair loss makes the provided answer correct.