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Alopecias are divided into scarring and nonscarring forms. When evaluating a patient who complains of hair loss, it is most important to determine if follicular markings (the opening where hair exits the skin) are present or absent. Present follicular markings suggest a nonscarring alopecia; absent follicular markings suggest a scarring alopecia.
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Nonscarring alopecia may occur in association with various systemic diseases, such as SLE, secondary syphilis, hyper- or hypothyroidism, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin D deficiency, and pituitary insufficiency. Prompt and adequate control of the underlying disorder usually leads to hair regrowth. Specific types of nonscarring alopecia are described below.
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Androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of alopecia, is of genetic predetermination. In men, the earliest changes occur at the anterior portions of the calvarium on either side of the “widow’s peak” and on the crown (vertex). The extent of hair loss is variable and unpredictable. Minoxidil 5% is available over the counter and can be recommended for persons with recent onset (less than 5 years) and smaller areas of alopecia. Approximately 40% of patients treated twice daily for a year will have moderate to dense growth. Finasteride (Propecia), 1 mg orally daily, has similar efficacy and may be additive to minoxidil.
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Androgenetic alopecia also occurs in women. Classically, there is retention of the anterior hairline while there is diffuse thinning of the vertex scalp hair and a widening of the part. Treatment includes topical minoxidil (5% once daily) and, in women not of childbearing potential, finasteride at doses up to 2.5 mg/day orally. Spironolactone 50–200 mg daily may be used in premenopausal women. Low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25–1 mg daily in women and 2.5–5 mg daily in men) is also safe and effective. Platelet-rich plasma is an emerging therapy. A workup consisting of determination of serum testosterone, DHEAS, iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, thyroid function tests, vitamin D level, and a CBC will identify most other causes of hair thinning in premenopausal women. Women who complain of thin hair but show little evidence of alopecia need follow-up because more than 50% of the scalp hair can be lost before the clinician can perceive it.
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There is some early evidence to suggest that moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia is associated with a higher risk of mortality from diabetes and heart disease in both sexes. In men, early-onset androgenetic alopecia in a vertex pattern has been associated with the metabolic syndrome.
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Telogen effluvium is a transitory increase in the number of hairs in the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. This may occur spontaneously; appear at the termination of pregnancy; be precipitated by severe illness, “crash dieting,” high fever, stress from surgery, shock, malnutrition, or iron deficiency; or be provoked by hormonal contraceptives. Whatever the cause, telogen effluvium usually has a latent period of 4 months. The prognosis is generally ...