Female Adolescent Hair Disorders

July 2009 in “ Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology ”

Elena B. Hawryluk, Joseph C. English

telogen effluvium alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia trichotillomania discoid lupus erythematosus central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia Epstein-Barr virus nutritional deficiencies hirsutism PCOS oral contraceptives antiandrogens hypertrichosis scalp biopsy DLE CCCA polycystic ovary syndrome birth control pills

Studysummary This article reviews various hair abnormalities in adolescents and young adults and emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and education for optimal patient outcomes, but it reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 2009 document reviews various hair disorders in female adolescents, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment due to the significant psychosocial impact. It covers non-scarring alopecia types like telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and trichotillomania, as well as scarring alopecias such as discoid lupus erythematosus and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. The paper notes that alopecia areata may be linked to Epstein-Barr virus and that nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss. Hirsutism, often associated with PCOS, is treated with oral contraceptives and antiandrogens, while hypertrichosis requires addressing the underlying cause and may involve physical hair removal methods. The document underscores the need for a thorough history, physical exam, and sometimes a scalp biopsy for accurate diagnosis, and stresses that while many hair disorders lack a cure, understanding the disease course can aid in management.

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