Ophiasis

Ophiasis
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 L63.2
ICD-9 704.01

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 "ophis", which is the Greek word for 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 the reverse spelling of ophiasis.[4] It is also called "ophiasis inversus".[5]

Ophiasis has poor prognostic significance.

References

  1. Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0.
  2. "DermaCase". Retrieved 2007-12-03.
  3. "Definition: ophiasis from Online Medical Dictionary". Retrieved 2007-12-03.
  4. "eMedicine - Alopecia Areata : Article by Chantal Bolduc, MD, FRCPC". Retrieved 2007-12-03.
  5. 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.

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