Hair Loss

The document discusses the ancient origins of hair in mammals, dating back over 200 million years, and its various functions including thermal insulation, camouflage, sensation, and social communication. The edition of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology from which the document is taken focuses on hair loss, a common issue addressed by dermatologists. It includes reviews on several aspects of hair loss, highlighting current controversies such as the role of iron in hair loss disorders and the differentiation between female pattern hair loss and chronic telogen effluvium. The document also touches on hair loss due to cosmetic procedures and the role of trichologists. It emphasizes the varying degrees of distress caused by hair loss to individuals and the importance of physicians in counseling and helping patients cope with hair loss, while steering them away from ineffective treatments. The document underscores the need for physicians to understand the disease, its impact on quality of life, and to commit time to the patient.