Conditions

A structured overview of common hair and scalp conditions.

Summary

What it is

An index page that groups conditions by clinical category.

Who it affects

People researching symptoms, diagnoses, and clinical terms.

Key clinical facts

  • Summaries are descriptive and evidence-cited.
  • Treatments are discussed without endorsement.

Evidence level

Evidence: Moderate

This page synthesizes multiple clinical sources; evidence strength varies by condition.

Detailed sections

Background

Hair and scalp conditions are often categorized by clinical patterns (for example, non-scarring versus scarring alopecia) and by inflammatory versus non-inflammatory disorders. [1]

Causes / Mechanisms

Mechanisms vary by condition and may involve genetic susceptibility, immune-mediated inflammation, hormonal signaling, infection, or follicular damage. [1] [2]

Symptoms / Presentation

Presentation may include patterned thinning, diffuse shedding, well-demarcated patches, scaling, erythema, pruritus, or pain depending on the condition. [1] [3]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis often involves history, scalp/hair examination, dermoscopy/trichoscopy, and selective laboratory testing; biopsy may be used when scarring alopecia is suspected. [3] [4]

Treatment Options

Management depends on the specific diagnosis and clinical context; this site describes options and evidence without recommending a specific plan. [1]

Prognosis

Prognosis varies: some conditions are self-limited, others are chronic or progressive; earlier identification of scarring disease may be associated with improved preservation of follicles. [4]

Citations

Inline citations appear as numbered brackets (e.g., [1]) and correspond to entries in the References section.

References

  1. Kinoshita-Ise M, Fukuyama M, Ohyama M. Recent Advances in Understanding of the Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management of Hair Loss Diseases. J Clin Med. 2023. PMID: 37176700.
  2. Trüeb RM. Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Endocrine. 2017. PMID: 28349362.
  3. Mubki T, Rudnicka L, Olszewska M, et al. Evaluation and diagnosis of the hair loss patient: part I. History and clinical examination. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014. PMID: 25128118.
  4. Kanti V, Röwert-Huber J, Vogt A, et al. Cicatricial alopecia. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2018. PMID: 29645394.

Metadata

Last reviewed: 2026-01-19

Editorial note: Prepared by HairCare.ai editorial staff for educational use; not medical advice.