Book Review: Disorders of Hair Growth: Diagnosis and Treatment, Second Edition

The reviewed book, "Disorders of Hair Growth: Diagnosis and Treatment," edited by Elise A. Olsen, is a detailed textbook from 2003 that addresses various aspects of hair disorders, including basic science, clinical issues, and treatment options. It features contributions from experts in the field and covers topics such as the embryology and genetics of hair growth, surgical and therapeutic interventions, and hair care products, with a special focus on hair disorders in black individuals. The book introduces a new classification for cicatricial alopecias but acknowledges the lack of effective treatments for these conditions. It is well-received for its comprehensive content, illustrations, and up-to-date references, although it misses out on some topics like chronic telogen effluvium. Since the first edition, there have been advances in hair biology and genetics, the discovery of hair follicle stem cells, and the approval of new treatments for androgenetic alopecia, such as finasteride and 5 percent minoxidil lotion, as well as new systemic antifungal agents and drugs for insulin resistance. The review recommends the book as a valuable resource for any department dealing with hair disorders.