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Alopecia

Melinda W Ng, Doctor of Medicine and Breanna Gawrys, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

Absence of hair from areas where it normally grows 

DESCRIPTION

  • Phases of the hair follicle cycle

    • Anagen phase (growth phase) : 90% scalp hair follicles, lasts 2 to 6 years

    • Catagen phase (transitio...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis is clinical, made by history and examination. 

HISTORY

  • Description of hair loss problem: rate of loss, duration, distribution, degree of hair loss, hair care practices, and hair ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Consider potential harms and benefits to the patient prior to treatment. Many will gain an improved quality of life.

  • Treat underlying medical causes (e.g., thyroid disorder, s...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

If nutritional deficit noted, supplementation may be necessary. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

National Alopecia Areata Foundation: www.naaf.org 

PROGNOSIS

  • Cicatricial alopecia: hair follicles perman...

REFERENCES

1
Strazzulla LC, Wang EHC, Avila L, et al; Alopecia areata: An appraisal of new treatment approaches and overview of current therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78:15-24.
2
King B, Ohyama M, K...

SEE ALSO

  • Hyperthyroidism; Lichen Planus; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic (SLE); Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); Syphilis; Tinea (Capitis, Corporis, Cruris)

  • Algorithm: Alopecia

CODES

ICD10

  • L65.9 Nonscarring hair loss, unspecified

  • L64.9 Androgenic alopecia, unspecified

  • L63.9 Alopecia areata, unspecified

  • L63.0 Alopecia (capitis) totalis

  • L63.1 Alopecia universalis

  • L64.8 Other androge...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • History and physical are necessary in determining type of alopecia for appropriate treatment.

  • Treatment of underlying medical condition or removal of triggering medication will often re...

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