Dermatology 2: Alopecia

Question 1

what is alopecia

Answer 1

-hair loss
-in alopecia areata: immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss

Question 2

risk factors of alopecia

Answer 2

-family history, from both parents
-other autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease
-atopic conditions like eczema

Question 3

differential diagnosis of alopecia

Answer 3

Patchy hair loss could be:
-tinea capitis
trichotillomania (pull own hair out due to psychotic condition)
-traction alopecia, due to hair styling techniques etc.

diffuse hair loss
-telogen effluvium e.g. due to stress, deficiency
-anagen effluvium due to drugs e.g. chemotherapy

Question 4

alopecia treatment

Answer 4

-corticosteroids
-topical immunotherapy

Or for androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness):
-Minoxidil 5% foam or 2% topical solution
-finasteride 1mg (men only)