A 36 year old male patient presents with patchy loss of hair on scalp, eyebrows and beard. He also gives a history of rapid greying of hair in a few areas. The likely diagnosis is:
**Core Concept**
The patient's symptoms suggest a condition affecting the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and greying. This condition is characterized by the destruction of hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss and premature greying.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The likely diagnosis is Alopecia Universalis, a form of alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The destruction of hair follicles results in the characteristic patchy hair loss and premature greying. The exact mechanism involves the activation of T-lymphocytes, which release cytokines that damage the hair follicles.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
- This option is incorrect because it is a different condition that affects the hair follicles but does not result in the same pattern of hair loss and premature greying.
**Option B:**
- This option is incorrect because it is a condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes, not the hair follicles.
**Option C:**
- This option is incorrect because it is a condition that affects the nails, not the hair follicles.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Alopecia Universalis is a rare but severe form of alopecia areata, and it can be challenging to diagnose. The condition often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
**Correct Answer:** A. Alopecia Universalis