Hair Diseases
September 1998
in “
Medical Clinics of North America
”
alopecia terminal hair vellus hair indeterminate hair anagen phase catagen phase telogen phase nonscarring alopecia scarring alopecia scalp biopsy hair pull test androgenetic alopecia telogen effluvium minoxidil finasteride alopecia areata syphilitic alopecia trichotillomania traction alopecia tinea capitis discoid lupus erythematosus Rogaine Propecia hair loss hair growth cycle hair types hair thinning hair shedding hair regrowth hair biopsy hair pull
Studysummary This article reviews common causes of hair loss, noting that a well-directed history and examination are often sufficient for diagnosis, and reports no new clinical findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The 1998 document provides an in-depth analysis of hair diseases, particularly focusing on the evaluation and diagnosis of alopecia. It classifies hair into terminal, vellus, and indeterminate types and explains the hair growth cycle's phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The document differentiates between nonscarring alopecia, which may be reversible, and scarring alopecia, which causes permanent hair loss. It stresses the importance of patient history in diagnosing hair loss and describes diagnostic tools like scalp biopsy and hair pull tests. Common nonscarring alopecias such as androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium are discussed, with treatments including minoxidil and finasteride. Other hair loss conditions covered include alopecia areata, syphilitic alopecia, trichotillomania, traction alopecia, and tinea capitis, as well as scarring alopecias like discoid lupus erythematosus. The document concludes that most alopecia diagnoses rely on patient history and physical examination, with laboratory tests often being unnecessary, and highlights that a few common forms account for the majority of alopecia cases.
