Hair and Nail Disorders Flashcards
Define Alopecia
Hair loss
What are the subtypes of alopecia?
- Disorders of the Hair Shaft
- All other forms of Hair Loss
A. Scarring (Diffuse and Patterned)
B. Non-scarring (Diffuse and Patterned)
-Alopecia Areata
Define Alopecia areata. What are the types?
- Rapid onset hair loss
- Occurs in sharply defined areas
A. Patterned type most commonly seen = Patchy, few to many
B. Diffuse type = Alopecia Totalis involves entire scalp
What age is alopecia areata most commonly seen in?
children and young adults
What areas can be involved in alopecia areata?
May involve eyelashs, beard, and other parts of body
Alopecia Universalis if entire body is affected
What is the etiology of alopecia areata?
- Etiology is unknown – thought to be autoimmune
A.Stress is frequently cited as a contributing cause
What is the prognosis of alopecia areata?
- Few isolated areas – Total permanent regrowth probable
2. Diffuse involvement – Poorer chance for permanent regrowth
What are the sxs of alopecia areata?
- Non-scarring Alopecia
- No S/Sx’s of infl
- No Scale
- Short “Exclamation Mark” hairs seen in area
- Positive Hair Pull Test
- Fine “Vellus” hairs seen when regrowth starts, may be depigmented.
How is alopcia areata diagnosed?
- Clinically diagnosed
A. Nail pitting seen in 3-30% - Bx if uncertain: from edge of bald spot
- KOH or Fungal Cx if Tinea Capitis suspected
What may alopecia areata be asst. with?
May be associated with other autoimmune disorders (Thyroid, DM, Vitiligo, Lupus)
What is the treatment for small and solitary alopecia areata?
- No Tx needed
- Excellent Prognosis
- Spontaneous regrowth
- May use IL Steroids or Topical therapies
What is the treatment for large and numerous alopecia areata?
a. IL Steroids
b. Topical therapies: corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, Minoxidil
c. Systemic Steroids x 3mo, systemic cyclosporin
d. Controversial – Benefit short lived off tx
Weigh Risk vs Benefit
Define onychomycosis
fungal infection of the finger/toe nail plates
What demographic group commonly has onychomycosis?
- Incidence increases with age
A. 15-20% of population between 40 and 60yo
B. No spontaneous remission
What is the etiology of onychomycosis?
- Dermatophytes T. Rubrum and Mentagrophytes MC seen
- Candida and other Non-pathogen species seen (contaminants)
- Trauma often predisposes nail to infection
- May be isolated infection or seen with hand/foot tinea infections