Diseases of Hair and Nails

The document from 2012 provided a comprehensive overview of hair and nail disorders, with a particular focus on various forms of alopecia. It detailed the hair cycle phases and the characteristics of different hair types, terminal and vellus. Hair loss was described as having a significant psychological impact, and diagnostic steps for hair loss included evaluating family history, drug intake, and systemic illness. The document listed causes of hair loss such as telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, and hormonal changes, and discussed treatments for these conditions, including the use of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for androgenetic alopecia, and the lack of a cure for alopecia areata. It also covered hair disorders specific to children, racial differences in hair characteristics, and excessive hair growth conditions like hirsutism. Nail disorders such as onycholysis, paronychia, onychomycosis, and ingrown toenails were described, along with their causes and treatments. The document referenced studies indicating the effectiveness of various treatments for alopecia, including scalp cooling and interventions for alopecia areata.