How to Diagnose Hair Loss
September 2012
in “
Dermatologic Clinics
”
New to Alopecia Areata? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → hair follicle cycle anagen phase Hair Card scalp biopsy cicatricial alopecia telogen effluvium alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia tinea capitis trichotillomania pull test tug test hair mount preparation microscopic examination complete blood count hormone levels hair growth cycle growth phase hair loss card scalp tissue sample scarring alopecia stress-related hair loss patchy hair loss male pattern baldness scalp ringworm hair-pulling disorder hair pull test hair tug test hair sample preparation microscope examination CBC hormone tests
Studysummary This review outlines a systematic method for diagnosing hair loss and presents no new findings; the authors emphasize the importance of biopsy in cicatricial alopecia cases.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document from January 1, 2013, provides a guide for clinicians on diagnosing hair loss, emphasizing the differentiation between hair loss from the roots and hair breakage. It outlines the hair follicle cycle, noting that 85% to 90% of scalp hair is in the anagen phase and grows about 0.35 mm per day, with normal hair loss ranging from 40 to 300 hairs per day. The authors recommend using a Hair Card for clinical examination, a scalp biopsy for suspected cicatricial alopecia, and taking a thorough medical history. Differential diagnoses for hair loss include telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, tinea capitis, and trichotillomania. Diagnostic methods include pull and tug tests, hair mount preparation for microscopic examination, and laboratory tests such as complete blood count and hormone levels. Scalp biopsies should be performed in areas with inflammation for cicatricial alopecia. These tools and tests are crucial for identifying the cause of hair loss and determining the correct treatment.
