A Practical Guide to the Standardization of Hair Loss Photography for Clinicians

August 2024 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

Anita Takwale, Emily Arthur, Julian Pearce, Paul Farrant, Susan Holmes, Matthew Harries

hair loss photography pattern loss frontal fibrosing alopecia traction alopecia alopecia areata patchy disorders dermatologists clinical assessment disease severity scales

Studysummary The researchers presented new, practical photography protocols for hair loss assessment that clinicians can use even without formal medical photography units, aiming to standardize high-quality imaging in both clinical and research settings.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document presents novel, pragmatic standardized photography protocols for hair loss assessment, developed using published disease severity scales and refined by a national clinical working group of dermatologists. Three main protocols are tailored to different types of hair loss, such as pattern loss, frontal fibrosing alopecia, traction alopecia, alopecia areata, and other patchy disorders. Additional protocols allow for specific views based on clinical needs. These standardized protocols enable clinicians to produce high-quality images for objective assessment and monitoring of hair loss, even without formal medical photography units, benefiting both clinical practice and research.

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