Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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Related Subjects: |Nikolsky's sign |Koebner phenomenon |Erythema Multiforme |Pyoderma gangrenosum |Erythema Nodosum |Dermatitis Herpetiformis |Lichen Planus |Acanthosis Nigricans |Acne Rosacea |Acne Vulgaris |Alopecia |Vitiligo |Urticaria |Basal Cell Carcinoma |Malignant Melanoma |Squamous Cell Carcinoma |Mycosis Fungoides (Sezary Syndrome) |Xeroderma pigmentosum |Bullous Pemphigoid |Pemphigus Vulgaris |Seborrheic Dermatitis |Pityriasis/Tinea versicolor infections |Pityriasis rosea |Scabies |Dermatomyositis |Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis |Stevens-Johnson Syndrome |Atopic Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis |Psoriasis |Alopecia Areata |Alopecia
π§ββοΈ Alopecia refers to hair loss from the scalp or body, classified into scarring (permanent follicle destruction) and non-scarring (potentially reversible). Causes range from genetics to autoimmune disease, drugs, stress, and infections. Recognising the type is essential for correct management.
Type of Alopecia | Description | Causes | Common Symptoms |
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Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness) | Most common form. Gradual, progressive thinning. | 𧬠Genetic + π‘ Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mediated. | Men: Receding temples, crown loss. Women: Diffuse thinning over crown with preserved frontal hairline. |
Alopecia Areata | Autoimmune; patchy hair loss. | Immune attack on follicles. | Round bald patches, βexclamation mark hairsβ, nail pitting. Severe forms: totalis (scalp) or universalis (body). |
Telogen Effluvium | Transient shedding due to hair cycle shift. | Stress, illness, postpartum, medications. | Diffuse shedding, clumps of hair in shower/comb. Non-scarring, self-limiting. |
Traction Alopecia | Hair loss from chronic tension. | Tight hairstyles, braids, extensions. | Hairline recession, broken hairs. Reversible if early; scarring if chronic. |
Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial) | Permanent follicle destruction with fibrosis. | Lupus, lichen planopilaris, burns, radiotherapy, severe infections. | Shiny scalp, loss of follicular openings, erythema, scaling. π© Needs urgent specialist referral. |
Non-Scarring Alopecia | Follicles intact; regrowth possible. | Endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiency, drugs, ageing. | Patchy or diffuse shedding, potential regrowth with cause removal. |