Alopecia & Its evaluation, management, care.

Alopecia is the absence or loss of hair in an area where it is expected to be present.
Alopecia can be localized or diffuse, temporary or permanent.
It can affect both gender and all age groups.

1. ALOPECIA Sachin DWIVEDI CENER, AIIMS RISHIKESH

2. Introduction Alopecia is the absence or loss of hair in an area where it is expected to be present. Alopecia can be localized or diffuse, temporary or permanent. It can affect both gender and all age groups.

3. Definition Alopecia  is the partial or complete loss of hair—especially on the scalp—either in patches ( alopecia  areata), on the entire head ( alopecia   totalis ). Alopecia is defined as “ absence or loss of hair”. It’s a chronic disorder secondary to the disease of either the hair follicle, hair shaft or the scalp.

4. Causes of alopecia Autoimmune Disorder Exposure to allergens, irritants, toxins, burns, injuries, and infections. Certain medications:Hormonal Radiation and chemotherapy .

5. Forms of Alopecia There are different types of alopecia. the main types of hair loss are: Alopecia Areata (AA) Alopecia Totalis (AT) Alopecia Universalis (AU) Alopecia Barbae Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) Scarring Alopecias (Cicatricial Alopecias )

6. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition which causes patchy hair loss. It can result in a single bald patch or extensive patchy hair loss.  A sudden loss of round or oval patches of hair on the scalp. Alopecia Areata. (AA)

7. Alopecia Totalis (AT) Alopecia totalis is a more advanced form of alopecia areata which results in total loss of all hair on the scalp. Unknown cause but researchers suggested that Autoimmunity can lead to this condition. Start with small patch of hair loss.

8. Alopecia Universalis (AU) Alopecia universalis is the most advanced form of alopecia areata which results in total loss of all hair on the body, including eyelashes and eyebrows.

9. Alopecia Barbae Alopecia barbae is alopecia areata that is localised to the beard area. It can be a single bald patch or more extensive hair loss across the whole of the beard area.

10. Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) Also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. It is a thinning of the hair to an almost transparent state, in both men or women. It is hereditary In both men and women, it's linked to having an excess of male hormones (androgens) around the hair follicles, which can block hair growth. Women are more likely to develop androgenic alopecia after menopause, when they have fewer female hormones.

11. Scarring Alopecias (Cicatricial Alopecias ) Scarring alopecias refers to a group of rare disorders which cause permanent hair loss. Caused by any inflammatory processes which causes permanent damage to hair follicles.(burns, bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases )

12. Diagnostic Measures History :

13. Diagnostic test Physical Exam: check for inflammation, redness, sores, or scarring., looks closely for pattern of the hair loss, and whether there is hair breakage. Trichometric Analysis: Use a digital assessment system called Folliscope ®  which consists of a small handheld device containing a high definition, microscopic camera. camera to take pictures of the scalp and hair, and the images are displayed on a computer monitor.

14. Diagnostic test Fungal Culture: tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, is the cause of hair loss. Punch” biopsy: Dermatologists use a device the size and shape of a pencil to puncture the scalp and remove a small tissue sample. Blood Tests:

15. Management Although hair loss rarely needs to be treated, many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. There is no cure for alopecia and no universally proven therapy to induce hair re-growth. Many cases of hair loss are temporary, for example, due to chemotherapy, or they're a natural part of ageing and don't need treatment. If hair loss is caused by an infection or another condition , treating the underlying problem may help prevent further hair loss.

16. Finasteride : It acts by preventing the hormone testosterone being converted to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, so blocking its production allows the hair follicles to regain their normal size. Pharmacological Management

17. Minoxidil : Minoxidil is available as a lotion to rub on scalp every day. Minoxidil is currently the only medicine available to treat female-pattern baldness. Pharmacological Management

18. Corticosteroid injections : Acts by suppressing the immune system. This is useful in alopecia Areata because the condition is thought to be caused by the immune system damaging the hair follicles. Pharmacological Management

19. Retin A / Tretinoin : Retin -A was originally used for the treatment of acne and other skin problems. Retin-A, when used alone in the form of a gel, which is rubbed onto the area of hair loss, or in combination with topical Minoxidil can result in moderate to good hair growth in individuals with Alopecia.  Pharmacological Management

20. Probiotics. Aromatherapy Massage therapy Ultraviolet light treatment Wigs Supportive Management

21. Surgical Management

22. Complications

23. Nursing Management

24. Thank you