Alopecia

Background

• Alopecia is defined as hair loss

Clinical Features

• Hair loss
• The pattern of hair loss can help determine diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

• Alopecia areata
• Lupus
• Trauma - Burns, Direct Trauma
• Syphilis
• Hair pulling - Trichotillomania
• Tinea Capitis
• Radiation
• Oncologic
• Male pattern baldness
• Stress - Telogen effluvium

Diagnosis

• Careful history and physical
• Mostly clinical diagnosis

Management

• Treat the underlying cause
• Tinea treated with either topical or systemic antifungals
• Dermatology referral
• Psych referral for trichotillomania

Disposition

• Per underlying cause where acute radiation syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, and burns may require admission
• Discharge with appropriate referral

External Links

National Alopecia Arata Foundation