Alopecia

Last updated: Wednesday, 27, October, 2010
CausesAppropriate Tests

May be the result of a number of systemic or dermatological conditions; may be transient, permanent, or associated with scarring. Most cases of hair loss do not require pathology tests.

Skin biopsy (from the active margin) may be helpful for lesions associated with inflammation or scarring.

Frontal baldness

Normal male variant

Virilisation

See Amenorrhoea with androgen excess.

Hereditary

Diffuse alopecia

Idiopathic

Drugs, especially

  • Cytotoxics
  • Lithium
  • Warfarin

Following severe illness

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

SLE

Irradiation

Post-partum

Alopecia totalis

Ectodermal dysplasia

Patchy alopecia

Following severe illness

Alopecia areata

SLE

Discoid lupus

Factitious

Idiopathic

Ringworm

Fungal microscopy and culture - skin scrapings and plucked hair.