Alopecia

Background

Normal dermal anatomy.
  • Alopecia is defined as hair loss [1]

Clinical Features

Alopecia areata, one type of alopecia.
  • Hair loss
  • The pattern of hair loss can help determine diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • Careful history and physical
  • Mostly clinical diagnosis

Management

  • Treat the underlying cause
    • Finasteride 1mg daily and topical minoxidil 5% is FDA approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in males
  • Tinea treated with either topical or systemic antifungals
  • Dermatology referral especially for cicatrial alopecia (inflammatory disorders of scalp that lead to permanent hair loss)
  • Psych referral for trichotillomania

Disposition

See Also

External Links

National Alopecia Arata Foundation

References

  1. Greenberg, M et al. Greenberg's Text Atlas of Emergency Medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2005. 442