Alopecia & Hair Loss

Types of Alopecia

Non-Scarring (Reversible)

• Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) — male and female pattern hair loss; driven by DHT
• Alopecia areata (AA) — autoimmune; patchy or total hair loss
• Telogen effluvium — diffuse shedding after physiologic stress
• Traction alopecia — from tight hairstyles

Scarring (Potentially Irreversible)

• Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA)
• Discoid lupus erythematosus
• Folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis

Diagnostic Workup

• Detailed hair and medical history
• Dermatoscopy (trichoscopy)
• Labs: TSH, iron studies, ferritin, CBC, hormones, ANA
• Scalp biopsy when scarring alopecia is suspected

Treatment Options

| Type | Options | |---|---| | AGA (men) | Finasteride 1 mg, minoxidil, dutasteride, PRP | | AGA (women) | Minoxidil, spironolactone, low-level laser therapy | | Alopecia areata | Baricitinib (FDA 2022), intralesional triamcinolone, topical minoxidil | | Telogen effluvium | Address underlying cause; supportive care | | Scarring alopecias | Anti-inflammatory systemic agents; early intervention critical |