-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cutaneous system
alopecia
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: hair loss
alopecia areata: idiopathic, non-inflammatory loss of circumscribed areas of hair on scalp, beard or eyebrows
alopecia congenitalis: absence of all hair at birth
alopecia marginalis: loss of hair at the hair line; more commonly seen in blacks; may be secondary to seborrheic dermatitis
postpartum alopecia: temporary diffuse loss of hair at the termination of pregnancy
trichotillomania: loss of hair from being pulled out by the patient, usually a nervous or neurotic condition

etiology:
idiopathic, or may follow a wide variety of causes including:
• endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders (e.g. SLE), systemic disease, pharmacotherapy toxicity, menopause, dermatologic disorders, tissue damage, adverse effects of hair preparations

signs and symptoms

Hair loss may follow several different patterns as described above. Note the extent, borders, condition of exposed skin, follicles etc. Signs and symptoms of associated disease may be present.

lab findings:
• check endocrine function, especially thyroid
• check for autoimmune disease

course and prognosis

Depends on etiology: temporary alopecia following febrile illness or post-partally will usually recover fully, while alopecia from autoimmune conditions or normal aging may be irrecoverable. Trichotillomania is often difficult to cure until the neurotic cause is established and treated.

differential diagnosis

• alopecia areata
• alopecia congenitalis
• alopecia marginalis
• postpartum alopecia
• trichotillomania


footnotes