Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Hair Loss Disorders
Number of Conditions: 6
Alopecia Areata
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Loss Disorders
Symptoms:
sudden, round patches of hair loss; smooth, bald areas on the scalp or body; may include nail pitting or ridges
Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on hair follicles, leading to non-scarring hair loss.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; trichoscopy and sometimes a scalp biopsy for confirmation.
Treatment:
Topical, intralesional, or systemic corticosteroids; immunomodulatory treatments for severe cases.
Medications:
Topical or intralesional corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol , triamcinolone ). JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib ) – for severe cases. Minoxidil – to promote regrowth.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 2% of the population globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid disease, vitiligo).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; spontaneous regrowth is possible, but relapses are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychological distress; Progression to alopecia totalis or universalis
Androgenetic Alopecia
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Loss Disorders
Symptoms:
gradual thinning of hair on the crown and temples in men; diffuse thinning or widening part in women
Root Cause:
Genetic and hormonal influences, including increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; trichoscopy and hormone testing in women if needed.
Treatment:
Topical or oral medications to slow progression and promote regrowth.
Medications:
Topical minoxidil – FDA-approved for men and women. Oral finasteride – for men. Spironolactone – for women (off-label).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 50% of men and women by age 50.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, hormonal changes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable; treatments slow progression.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns; Psychological impact
Telogen Effluvium
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Loss Disorders
Symptoms:
diffuse hair shedding; thinning hair without bald patches; often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes
Root Cause:
Disruption of the hair growth cycle, causing an increased number of hairs to enter the resting (telogen) phase.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; scalp examination or trichogram.
Treatment:
Address underlying cause; supportive treatments like minoxidil in persistent cases.
Medications:
Minoxidil – in prolonged cases. Iron supplements – if iron deficiency is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially following significant stressors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, illness, childbirth, medications, nutritional deficiencies.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Self-limiting; resolves within 6–12 months in most cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychological distress; Chronic shedding in prolonged cases
Traction Alopecia
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Loss Disorders
Symptoms:
hair loss in areas under tension, such as hairline or temples; small, broken hairs in affected areas
Root Cause:
Chronic tension on hair shafts due to tight hairstyles or accessories.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; history of hair styling practices.
Treatment:
Avoidance of tight hairstyles, early intervention to prevent permanent loss.
Medications:
Topical minoxidil – to promote regrowth. Corticosteroids – if inflammation is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with tight hairstyles.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tight hairstyles, braids, extensions, or cultural practices.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Reversible if detected early; prolonged tension can cause scarring and permanent loss.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Scarring alopecia; Permanent hair loss
Trichotillomania
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Loss Disorders
Symptoms:
irregular patches of hair loss; broken hairs of varying lengths; associated with compulsive hair-pulling behavior
Root Cause:
Behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive pulling of one’s own hair, often linked to stress or anxiety.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and examination; psychiatric evaluation may be necessary.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, psychiatric medications, and supportive dermatologic care.
Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine ) – to manage underlying anxiety or OCD. N-acetylcysteine – shown to reduce pulling behavior in some cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1–2% of the population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, anxiety, family history of OCD or related disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; improvement with therapy but relapses are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent hair loss; Skin infections; Emotional distress
Cicatricial Alopecia
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Loss Disorders
Symptoms:
patchy or diffuse hair loss; inflamed or scarred scalp; pain, itching, or burning sensations
Root Cause:
Inflammatory destruction of hair follicles, replaced by scar tissue.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Scalp biopsy to identify underlying inflammation or scarring.
Treatment:
Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive treatments to prevent progression.
Medications:
Corticosteroids (topical, intralesional, or systemic). Immunosuppressants (e.g., hydroxychloroquine , methotrexate ). Tetracycline antibiotics – for anti-inflammatory effects.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; affects individuals of all ages.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases, infections, or trauma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Irreversible hair loss in scarred areas; early treatment can prevent progression.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent hair loss; Cosmetic concerns