Hair loss
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Definition
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology
Differential Diagnosis
- Alopecia areata - random hair loss (sometimes called "spot baldness") from the head. Can result in complete baldness. Cause is probably genetic though not been confirmed.
- Male-pattern baldness - blokes go bold. You only need to worry if you get this in women. Plus women shouldn't really go bald.
- Chemo/radiotherapy.
- Crazy stuff - systemic causes (thyroid, SLE)
Clinical and Associated Features
Of the three main diagnosis, the important one is alopecia areata. Hopefully, you'll be able to figure it out - spots of baldness and sometimes scarring. If not, consider one of the other causes which will have other symptoms. In the case of chemo, this will be a diagnosis of cancer. Don't miss diagnoses of cancer. It's a symptom of cancer.