Acquired Scalp Alopecia: A Review

In 1998, Sullivan and Kossard reviewed acquired scalp alopecia, distinguishing between non-scarring types, such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, and scarring types like lichen planopilaris. They stressed the importance of a systematic approach to diagnosis, including history, examination, scalp biopsy, and laboratory tests. The review discussed the pathogenesis of hair loss, including metabolic, hormonal, and immune factors, and the role of stem cells in hair regeneration. It also covered the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis of various alopecias, highlighting the significance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. The review mentioned the potential causes of hair loss, such as systemic diseases, nutritional disturbances, and drug reactions, and described conditions like chronic telogen effluvium and trichotillomania. The importance of understanding hair physiology, the hair cycle, and factors influencing it was emphasized, as well as recent developments in the field. The document concluded that accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing different types of alopecia and that variations in immune response may explain differences in disease expression and therapeutic outcomes.