Condition Lookup
Category:
Hair and Scalp Disorders
Number of Conditions: 11
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
Hirsutism
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Growth Disorders
Symptoms:
excessive terminal hair growth in male-pattern areas (face, chest, back); often associated with acne or menstrual irregularities
Root Cause:
Androgen excess or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; hormone testing (e.g., testosterone, DHEAS).
Treatment:
Address underlying cause; medications to reduce androgen production or block receptors.
Medications:
Oral contraceptives – to suppress androgens. Anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone , finasteride ). Eflornithine cream – to reduce facial hair growth.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 5–10% of women of reproductive age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, family history.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; symptoms improve with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns; Psychological distress
Hypertrichosis
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Hair Growth Disorders
Symptoms:
excessive hair growth in non-androgen-dependent areas; can be localized or generalized
Root Cause:
Congenital or acquired conditions leading to abnormal hair follicle activity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination and review of medical history.
Treatment:
Hair removal methods (shaving, waxing, laser therapy); address underlying cause if acquired.
Medications:
None specific; treatment focuses on hair removal.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; varies based on etiology.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations, medications (e.g., minoxidil, phenytoin), systemic conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on underlying cause.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns; Social or psychological impact
Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Scalp Conditions
Symptoms:
flaky, greasy scales on scalp; itchy, inflamed skin; may involve eyebrows, beard, or ears
Root Cause:
Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast and immune response, influenced by genetics and environment.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; no specific tests required.
Treatment:
Antifungal shampoos and topical anti-inflammatory agents.
Medications:
Ketoconazole shampoo – antifungal. Topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone ) – for inflammation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 3–5% of the population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Oily skin, stress, and neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but controllable with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence; Secondary bacterial infection
Scalp Psoriasis
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Scalp Conditions
Symptoms:
red, scaly plaques on scalp; silvery scales; itching or burning sensation
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder causing accelerated skin cell turnover and inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; biopsy for confirmation in atypical cases.
Treatment:
Topical treatments, phototherapy, or systemic agents for severe cases.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriol). Biologics (e.g., adalimumab ) – for severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 2–3% of the population; scalp involvement is common.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, stress, and infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic; manageable with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hair loss due to scratching or treatment side effects
Folliculitis Decalvans
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders
Sub-category: Scalp Conditions
Symptoms:
inflamed hair follicles; pustules or scabs; patchy hair loss with scarring
Root Cause:
Chronic bacterial infection and inflammation leading to destruction of hair follicles.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; bacterial culture and biopsy.
Treatment:
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapies.
Medications:
Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline ). Topical antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine ). Corticosteroids – for inflammation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, typically affects adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unknown; possible role of Staphylococcus aureus.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic; progression can be slowed with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent scarring and hair loss