A child presenting with localized patches of complete hair loss with normal appearance of scalp. Diagnosis is ?

Ans. is 'c' i.e., Alopecia areata Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss without skin atrophy. Tinea capitis is also associated with patchy hair loss but in this either hair loss is paial (non inflammatory type) or there is some associated scalp lesion (inflammatory type, black dot and us type) Craddle cap is usually not associated with hair loss. Telogen effluvium is characterized by stress related diffuse hair loss.