Hair Diseases: A Big Problem on a Small Surface
January 2016
in “
Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii
”
alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia drug-induced alopecia oral retinoids antithrombotic drugs anticoagulants psychiatric drugs oral contraceptives anagen alopecia telogen alopecia structural hair shaft disorders trichotillomania scalp psoriasis atopic dermatitis alopecia cicatricans lichen planus frontal fibrosing alopecia pseudopelade of Brocq folliculitis decalvans hair loss baldness hair thinning scalp inflammation scalp infection hair pulling disorder scalp eczema scalp lichen planus
TLDR Many hair diseases, including those caused by medications and psychological issues, can lead to hair loss and require proper treatment and specialist care.
The 2016 document discusses a range of less common hair diseases beyond the well-known alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. It highlights drug-induced alopecia, which can be reversible, affecting 20-30% of patients on oral retinoids and 50% on antithrombotic drugs. Other medications, including anticoagulants, psychiatric drugs, and oral contraceptives, can also cause hair loss. The paper addresses anagen and telogen alopecia, structural hair shaft disorders, psychological issues like trichotillomania, and infectious or inflammatory scalp diseases. Treatments for scalp psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia cicatricans, lichen planus, frontal fibrosing alopecia, pseudopelade of Brocq, and folliculitis decalvans are discussed, with a focus on the importance of appropriate treatment and the psychological impact of hair loss, suggesting dermatological and possibly other specialist consultations for affected individuals.
