Alopecia as a Systemic Disease

The document from 2019 reviews the connection between alopecia and systemic diseases, explaining that hair loss can be a symptom of underlying health issues or a marker of disease severity. It discusses how secondary alopecia can arise from systemic diseases, medications, or trauma, and emphasizes the importance of treating the underlying condition to manage hair loss. Trichoscopy is presented as a useful diagnostic tool, while histopathology is the definitive method. Specific diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma are detailed in terms of their impact on hair loss. The document also explores the association of alopecia with diseases such as pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, sarcoidosis, psoriasis, and malignancies, as well as infections like leprosy and herpes zoster. It notes that alopecia related to herpes zoster can be resolved with steroids and antiviral treatment, while tinea capitis and syphilitic alopecia respond well to antifungal and antibiotic therapy, respectively. The document underscores the necessity of a systemic checkup for patients with hair loss to identify any potential systemic diseases.