Alopecia

Alopecia

OVERVIEW:

Alopecia is defined as the absence of hair from skin areas where it normally is present. There are several forms of alopecia depending on the type of hair loss.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Hair loss
• Itching
• Scaling of the scalp
• Broken hairs
• Tapered hair
• Easily removable hairs
• Inflammation

CAUSES:

Alopecia has many possible causes, including inherited disease, medication side effects, radiation therapy, infection, stress, malnutrition, and other conditions.

SCOPE:

By 50 years of age, 50% of Caucasian males have noticeable male-pattern baldness. Nearly 40% of postmenopausal females show some evidence of hair loss.

MOST OFTEN AFFECTED:

The incidence of androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) increases with increasing age. Men are affected more often than women. There is a strong genetic tendency for baldness.

RISK FACTORS:

• Family history of baldness
• Physical or psychological stress
• Pregnancy
• Poor nutrition

DIAGNOSIS

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

The Physician will establish the type of alopecia and search for possible reversible causes.

TESTS AND PROCEDURES:

• A variety of blood tests may be ordered, include levels of hormones.
• Hair may be studied microscopically.
• The scalp may be biopsied for microscopic evaluation and other special testing procedures may be performed.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES:

• Alopecia is managed on an outpatient basis.
• Some forms of alopecia are permanent, while hair grows back in others.
• For male-pattern baldness, 39% of persons report moderate to marked hair growth after using minoxidil (Rogaine) after 12 months.

ACTIVITY:

Fully active

DIET:

No special diet

MEDICATIONS

COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS:

• Male-pattern baldness: topical minoxidil (Rogaine); Finasteride (propecia)
• Alopecia areata: high-potency topical steroids, intralesional steroids
• Tinea capitis: griseofulvin or ketoconazole

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Drugs have many interactions; refer to product information.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Topical minoxidil: burning and irritation of the eyes, salt and water retention, fast heart rate, chest pain
• Topical steroids: burning and stinging, itching, skin atrophy
• Griseofulvin: sensitivity to light
• Ketoconazole: allergic reactions, liver damage, lowering of sperm count, mental conditions

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Drugs have many interactions; read product information.

Other Drugs:

N/A

FOLLOW UP

PATIENT MONITORING:

Liver enzymes may be monitored if using ketoconazole.

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE:

N/A

COMPLICATIONS:

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Recovery varies depending on type of alopecia.
• Recovery from male-pattern baldness depends on treatments.
• Some forms of alopecia have complete recovery and hair growth.

MISCELLANEOUS

OTHER FACTORS:

N/A

PEDIATRIC:

Tinea capitis is the only common form of alopecia in children.

GERIATRIC:

Male-pattern baldness is more common after age 50.

OTHERS:

N/A

PREGNANCY:

Hair loss after birth is due to altered physiology during pregnancy.

(see images)

Want to discuss this term? Visit our forum or our chat room.

SEE ALSO (Enter the keywords below into our search box or click on the link):

n/a

Medical Diagnosis » A » Alopecia