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Alopecia refers specifically to the loss of hair from the scalp or other areas of the body. It is a term often used to describe various forms of hair loss, which can occur for a variety of reasons including genetics, medical conditions, or side effects of medications. Understanding this term is crucial in both medical coding and in patient communication, as hair loss can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and self-esteem.

The other options do not accurately describe alopecia. For instance, the growth of new hair is the opposite of what alopecia represents, while thinning of nails concerns a different aspect of dermatological health entirely. Inflammation of the scalp, although related to hair and scalp conditions, does not specifically correlate with the term alopecia, which is focused solely on hair loss. Thus, the term is more narrowly defined and emphasizes loss rather than growth or inflammation.