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Alopecia

»	How is alopecia classified?
»	What are some common types of patterned hair loss?
»	Can cicatricial and noncicatricial alopecia be differentiated clinically?
»	What causes common balding?
»	How effective are medical treatments for common balding?
»	Is common balding in women managed differently than in men?
»	What are the surgical options for treatment of balding?
»	Discuss the common causes of circular bald spots.
»	What is alopecia totalis?
»	How is alopecia areata treated?
»	How is tinea capitis treated?
»	What is trichotillomania?
»	Who is most likely to be affected by trichotillomania?
»	Why do cancer patients lose their hair?
»	In what other clinical settings can a telogen effluvium occur?
»	To what forms of hair loss are black patients susceptible?
»	Discuss the mechanism of central, centrifugal, cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).
»	Name some medications that cause hair loss.
»	What is alopecia mucinosa?
»	What is meant by the term “moth-eaten alopecia"?

What causes common balding?

People who become bald have hair follicles that are genetically programmed to miniaturize under the influence of postpubertal androgens. Probably, several genes (inherited from both mother and father) influence the severity of balding. Until very late in the balding process, the number of hairs does not decrease, but the hairs become progressively smaller until they are no longer visible to the naked eye. Except in very marked and long-standing balding, very fine, short hairs can be seen exiting from follicular orifices if a magnifying lens is used.

Randall VA: Androgens and hair growth, Dermatol Ther 21(5):314–328, 2008.