Common Hair Loss Disorders

The 2003 review "Common hair loss disorders" discussed various types of alopecia and their treatments. Alopecia, which affects both men and women of all ages, can significantly impact social and psychological well-being. Androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss, typically presents as temporal-frontal loss in men and central thinning in women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved topical minoxidil for treatment in both genders, with the addition of finasteride for men. Telogen effluvium, characterized by the loss of "handfuls" of hair often following stressors, along with alopecia areata, trichotillomania, traction alopecia, and tinea capitis, have unique features that aid in diagnosis. Treatment for these disorders and telogen effluvium focuses on resolving the underlying cause.