Overview
As stated in the Introduction
section, alopecia can be localized (patchy) or generalized; it can also be
scarring or non-scarring. Scarring alopecia is caused by severe inflammation of
the hair follicle resulting in irreversible damage. While non-scarring alopecia
is reversible.
It is discussed in the Epidemiology
section that androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of alopecia,
affecting both males and females, its prevalence affected by age, gender, and
race. In the case of alopecia areata, the lifetime risk of the general
population for it is around 2 percent. Other details on its incidence and
prevalence are further detailed in this section.
The Pathophysiology
section mentions that alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. While
androgenetic alopecia is closely associated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
production, androgen receptor expression, and 5 alpha-reductase activity. Other
details in the processes of these 2 types of alopecia are further discussed in
this section.
As mentioned in the Etiology
section, the most common causes of alopecia include androgenic or androgenetic
alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and alopecia areata.
As discussed in the Classification
section, non-scarring alopecia can be divided into androgenetic alopecia and
alopecia areata.
Alopecia_Disease Summary 2History and Physical Examination
The Clinical Presentation
section discusses the pattern of hair loss, the age of onset, and progression
of alopecia.
The History
section emphasizes the importance of reviewing for medications, severe diet
restriction, vitamin A supplementation, thyroid symptoms, concomitant illness,
and stress factor in assessing those with alopecia. Just as important is
looking at the family history and history of emotional stress or trauma.
The Physical Examination
section mentions some of the tests that can be done in alopecia patients such
as the hair pull test.
Diagnosis
The Diagnosis and
Diagnostic Criteria section discusses the Hamilton-Norwood
staging and the Ludwing staging for male pattern hair loss (MPHL) and female
pattern hair loss (FPHL) respectively. Also stated in this section is that the
diagnosis of alopecia areata is clinical.
The different diagnostic tests
that can be done in androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata are enumerated
and discussed in the Laboratory Tests and
Ancillaries. As stated in the Imaging
section, medical photography can be done in alopecia areata
for a baseline examination.
The Differential Diagnosis
section enumerates the conditions that mimic alopecia.
Management
Ways to assess the severity of hair loss and psychological
status in alopecia are discussed in the Evaluation
section.
The Pharmacological
Therapy section gives details on the different treatment options
for alopecia areta and androgenetic alopecia. While the Nonpharmacological section emphasizes the
importance of patient education and the value of other interventions such as camouflage
cosmetics, hairpieces or scalp prostheses, laser therapy, micropigmentation,
and even psychological intervention.
The Surgery
section contains details on hair transplantation and scalp reduction.
