TLDR Primary care in 2021 focused on identifying nonscarring hair loss and managing common types based on the pattern of hair loss.
In 2021, the initial step in diagnosing hair loss (alopecia) was to distinguish between nonscarring and scarring alopecia. This review focused on nonscarring alopecia, the most common type of hair loss seen in primary care. Scarring alopecia, which permanently destroys follicular structures, was identified by symptoms such as itching, pain, redness, scaling, crust, and obliteration of follicular pore markings, resulting in an unusually smooth skin appearance. These patients might have needed a scalp biopsy for diagnosis and referral for specialized care. Once hair loss was classified as nonscarring, the next step was to identify the distribution of loss on the scalp as patterned, diffuse, or focal. The diagnosis and management of the most prevalent nonscarring disorders in each of these categories were discussed.
63 citations
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July 2018 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” JAK inhibitors can effectively reverse hair loss in people with alopecia areata.
178 citations
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April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.
53 citations
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December 2015 in “JAMA Dermatology” Women with PCOS often have more body hair, acne, and skin darkening, and these signs are linked to metabolic issues like insulin resistance and high cholesterol.
86 citations
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August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” To diagnose hair loss, use a systematic approach including history, exams, and tests.
27 citations
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September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” The document concludes that using specific tools and tests is essential for identifying the cause of hair loss and deciding on the right treatment.
421 citations
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April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.
214 citations
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March 1993 in “Archives of Dermatology” Telogen effluvium is a reversible hair loss condition that requires a detailed diagnosis and often resolves on its own.
148 citations
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December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
4 citations
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November 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Alopecia areata can sometimes appear as a straight line of hair loss instead of round patches.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
