Hair Loss
Clinical categories of hair loss and a neutral overview of common patterns.
Summary
What it is
An index page that introduces common hair loss patterns and links to key conditions.
Who it affects
Readers seeking an orientation before reading condition-specific pages.
Key clinical facts
- Hair loss is commonly categorized as non-scarring or scarring based on follicle preservation.
- Patterned thinning and diffuse shedding can reflect different diagnoses.
- This page provides an overview and links to condition pages; it is not diagnostic.
Evidence level
Detailed sections
Background
Hair loss is often categorized as non-scarring or scarring based on whether follicles are preserved. [1] [2]
Causes / Mechanisms
Mechanisms vary by diagnosis and may include follicle miniaturization, shifts in hair cycling, immune-mediated inflammation, or follicular destruction in scarring disease. [1] [3]
Symptoms / Presentation
Common clinical patterns include patterned thinning, diffuse shedding, and patchy loss; mixed presentations can occur. [1] [4]
Diagnosis
Evaluation generally includes history and scalp/hair examination; trichoscopy and biopsy may be used in selected contexts, especially when scarring alopecia is suspected. [2] [4]
Treatment Options
Treatment categories depend on diagnosis; see condition pages for descriptive summaries with evidence indicators and citations.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on diagnosis. Scarring forms can be irreversible, while many non-scarring forms may allow regrowth depending on cause and disease activity. [2]
Citations
References
- 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.
- Kanti V, Röwert-Huber J, Vogt A, et al. Cicatricial alopecia. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2018. PMID: 29645394.
- Trüeb RM. Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Endocrine. 2017. PMID: 28349362.
- 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.