Related Subjects:
|Nikolsky's sign
|Koebner phenomenon
|Erythema Multiforme
|Pyoderma gangrenosum
|Erythema Nodosum
|Dermatitis Herpetiformis
|Lichen Planus
|Acanthosis Nigricans
|Acne Rosacea
|Acne Vulgaris
|Alopecia
|Vitiligo
|Urticaria
|Basal Cell Carcinoma
|Malignant Melanoma
|Squamous Cell Carcinoma
|Mycosis Fungoides (Sezary Syndrome)
|Xeroderma pigmentosum
|Bullous Pemphigoid
|Pemphigus Vulgaris
|Seborrheic Dermatitis
|Pityriasis/Tinea versicolor infections
|Pityriasis rosea
|Scabies
|Dermatomyositis
|Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
|Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
|Atopic Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
|Psoriasis
|Alopecia Areata
|Alopecia
About
Alopecia refers to hair loss from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can result from various causes, including genetic factors, medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors. Understanding the different types of alopecia, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is essential for effective management. Sometimes divided into scarring and non-scaring alopecia
Types
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness):
- Most common form of hair loss, characterized by gradual thinning of hair.
- Genetically determined and hormonally influenced.
- Men typically experience receding hairline and bald spots, while women have diffuse thinning.
- Alopecia Areata:
- An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss.
- Can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or entire body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
- Telogen Effluvium:
- Temporary hair thinning due to a disturbance in the hair growth cycle.
- Often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
- Traction Alopecia:
- Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair.
- Common in individuals who wear tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or extensions.
- Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia):
- Permanent hair loss due to inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles.
- Causes: SLE, lichen planopilaris, Burns, Radiotherapy, Fungal kerion, Staphylococcal, Tuberculosis - Lupus vulgaris, Syphilis, Chicken pox, HSV, Leishmaniasis, Pemphigoid, Ichthyosis, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Morphea, Sarcoidosis
- Non Scarring Alopecia : Some of the above
- Endocrine diseases, Pregnancy, Tinea capitis
- Drugs (Carbimazole, Warfarin, Heparin, Lithium, OCP, Cytotoxics)
- Malnutrition - Iron, Zinc, Starvation, Vegans. Telogen effluvium
- Aging - male and female pattern
Causes of Alopecia
- Genetic predisposition.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome).
- Medications (e.g., chaemotherapy, beta-blockers, anticoagulants).
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D).
- Physical or emotional stress.
- Infections (e.g., tinea capitis).
- Trauma or prolonged tension on the hair.
- Inflammatory skin conditions.
Symptoms of Alopecia
- Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp.
- Patchy hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body.
- Sudden loosening of hair, often in handfuls.
- Full-body hair loss.
- Scalp itching, burning, or discomfort.
- Visible patches of broken or short hair.
Diagnosis of Alopecia
- Medical History and Physical Examination:
- Detailed history of hair loss pattern, duration, and associated symptoms.
- Examination of the scalp and hair to identify characteristic patterns and signs.
- Laboratory Tests:
- Blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune markers.
- Scalp Biopsy:
- Skin biopsy to examine the hair follicles and surrounding tissues under a microscope.
- Trichoscopy:
- Non-invasive method using a dermoscope to visualize the scalp and hair follicles in detail.
Treatment Options for Alopecia
- Medications:
- Topical treatments (e.g., minoxidil).
- Oral medications (e.g., finasteride for androgenetic alopecia).
- Corticosteroids (for alopecia areata).
- Immunotherapy (e.g., diphencyprone for severe alopecia areata).
- Procedures:
- Hair transplant surgery.
- Scalp micropigmentation.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
- Lifestyle and Home Remedies:
- Gentle hair care practices.
- Reducing stress through relaxation techniques.
- Healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Alternative Treatments:
- Essential oils (e.g., rosemary oil).
- Acupuncture.
- Herbal supplements.
Summary
Alopecia encompasses a range of hair loss conditions, each with distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management, which may include medications, procedures, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments. Understanding the underlying factors and addressing them appropriately can help manage alopecia and improve patient outcomes.