Approach to the Patient With Hair Loss
August 2023
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
alopecia scarring alopecia cicatricial alopecia non-scarring alopecia noncicatricial alopecia dermatoscopy histopathological analysis iron deficiency female pattern hair loss chronic telogen effluvium direct immunofluorescence hair loss scarring hair loss non-scarring hair loss female hair loss chronic hair shedding
TLDR The guide helps dermatologists diagnose and treat different types of hair loss.
The document "Approach to the patient with hair loss" provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and categorizing different types of alopecia, including both scarring (cicatricial) and non-scarring (noncicatricial) forms. It emphasizes the importance of a thorough medical and social history, as well as the use of diagnostic tools such as dermatoscopy and histopathological analysis. The document includes visual aids and flowcharts to help clinicians identify patterns of hair loss and underlying conditions. It also discusses the role of iron deficiency in female pattern hair loss and chronic telogen effluvium, and highlights the value of direct immunofluorescence in differentiating cicatricial alopecia. The guide is intended to assist dermatologists in making accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans for patients experiencing hair loss.
