Evaluation of hair loss

Question 1

Important history components in evaluating hair loss

Answer 1

• Use of meds, severe diet restriction, supplementation of Vitamin A, thyroid symptoms
• sudden vs gradual loss
• recent stresses

Question 2

Important physical exam components in evaluating hair loss

Answer 2

• localized vs generalized
• scaring vs. nonscaring
• inflammatory vs. not
• presence of follicular plugging
• skin disease in other areas

Question 3

Diagnostic tests

Answer 3

• hair pull test
• daily counts (normal to lose 100 per day and 200-250 if shampooing unless daily)
• part width

Question 4

Causes of diffuse nonscarring hair loss

Answer 4

telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, systemic disease

Question 5

Patchy loss (scarring)

Answer 5

Discoid lupus, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing, pseudopelade (“moth-eaten”), central centrifugal cicatricial, folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis, acne keloid, tufted folliculitis

Question 6

Patchy loss (non-scarring)

Answer 6

• alopecia localized, tinea capitis, traction alopecia, trichotillomania, syphilis, hair breakage