Nails and Hair

In the 2013 document, David de Berker provided an overview of various hair and nail conditions, their implications for systemic health, and treatment options. Hair conditions discussed include age-related baldness, hirsutism indicating endocrine issues, alopecia areata associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, and scalp fungal infections like tinea capitis. Treatments for alopecia areata range from topical corticosteroids to immunotherapy, while scalp fungal infections are treated with oral antifungals such as itraconazole or terbinafine. Scarring alopecias like LPP and DLE result in permanent hair loss and are treated with corticosteroids or antimalarials. Nail conditions covered include psoriasis, affecting up to 90% of patients, fungal infections in up to 13% of urban populations, and rare nail tumors. Treatments for nail psoriasis include topical corticosteroids, systemic therapies, and biologic agents, while fungal infections are treated with systemic antifungals. The document emphasized accurate diagnosis before treatment, especially when considering systemic therapies.