Diseases of the Diseases of the hairhair

Classification of hairs:Classification of hairs:

1. 1. Lanugo hairsLanugo hairs.. Fine long hairs covering the fetus, but shed Fine long hairs covering the fetus, but shed about 1 month before birth.about 1 month before birth.

2.2.Vellus hairsVellus hairs.. Fine short unmedullated hairs covering much Fine short unmedullated hairs covering much of the body surface. They replace the lanugo hairs just of the body surface. They replace the lanugo hairs just before before

birth.birth. 3.3.Terminal hairsTerminal hairs.. Long coarse medullated hairs seen, Long coarse medullated hairs seen,for example, in the scalp or pubic regions. Their growthfor example, in the scalp or pubic regions. Their growthis often influenced by circulating androgen levelsis often influenced by circulating androgen levels . .

The hair cycleThe hair cycle

There are three phases of follicular activity:There are three phases of follicular activity:1. 1. AnagenAnagen.. The active phase of hair production. The active phase of hair production.2. 2. CatagenCatagen.. A short phase of conversion from active A short phase of conversion from active growth to the resting phase. Growth stops, and thegrowth to the resting phase. Growth stops, and theend of the hair becomes club-shaped.end of the hair becomes club-shaped.3. 3. TelogenTelogen.. A resting phase at the end of which the A resting phase at the end of which theclub hair is shedclub hair is shed..

The scalp contain an average of 100 000 hairs, The scalp contain an average of 100 000 hairs, anagen lasts for up to 5 years, anagen lasts for up to 5 years, catagen for about 2 weeks, catagen for about 2 weeks, and telogen for about 3 months. and telogen for about 3 months.

As many as 100 hairs may be shed from the As many as 100 hairs may be shed from the normal scalp every day as a normal consequence normal scalp every day as a normal consequence of cycling. of cycling. On the scalp, about 85% are normally in anagen On the scalp, about 85% are normally in anagen and 15% in the telogen phaseand 15% in the telogen phase..

AlopeciaAlopecia

1. localized1. localized2. generalized2. generalized

Some causes of localized alopecia:Some causes of localized alopecia:Non-scarring:Non-scarring:Alopecia areataAlopecia areataAndrogeneticAndrogeneticHair-pulling habitHair-pulling habitTraction alopeciaTraction alopecia

Scarring:Scarring:Burns, radiodermatitisBurns, radiodermatitisAplasia cutisAplasia cutisKerion, carbuncleKerion, carbuncleCicatricial basal cell carcinomaCicatricial basal cell carcinomaLichen planus, lupus erythematosusLichen planus, lupus erythematosusNecrobiosis, Necrobiosis, Sarcoidosis,Sarcoidosis,PseudopeladePseudopelade

Localized alopecia:Localized alopecia:1. alopecia areata:1. alopecia areata:Affects about 2% of the population.Affects about 2% of the population.Cause:Cause:-immunological; because of an association with -immunological; because of an association with thyroid disease, atopy and vitiligo. thyroid disease, atopy and vitiligo. Histologically, T lymphocytes cluster like a Histologically, T lymphocytes cluster like a swarm of bees around affected follicles.swarm of bees around affected follicles.-genetic; increased occurrence in the first degree -genetic; increased occurrence in the first degree relatives of affected subjects and twin relatives of affected subjects and twin concordance.concordance.-trigger factors as such as stress-trigger factors as such as stress..

Presentation:Presentation:

A typical patch is uninflammed, with no scaling A typical patch is uninflammed, with no scaling but with easily seen empty hair follicles.but with easily seen empty hair follicles.

Pathognomonic 'exclamation mark' hairs may be Pathognomonic 'exclamation mark' hairs may be seen around the edge of the enlarging areas. seen around the edge of the enlarging areas. They are broken off about 4 mm from the scalp, They are broken off about 4 mm from the scalp, and are narrowed and less pigmented and are narrowed and less pigmented proximallyproximally..

Patches are most common in the scalp and beard Patches are most common in the scalp and beard area but other areas, especially the eyelashes and area but other areas, especially the eyelashes and eyebrows, can be affected. eyebrows, can be affected.

An uncommon diffuse pattern is recognized.An uncommon diffuse pattern is recognized.

Up to 50% of patients show fine pitting or Up to 50% of patients show fine pitting or wrinkling of the nailswrinkling of the nails..

Course:Course:The outcome is unpredictable. The outcome is unpredictable. In a first attack, regrowth is usual within a few In a first attack, regrowth is usual within a few months new hairs appear in the centre of patches months new hairs appear in the centre of patches as fine pale down, and gradually regain their as fine pale down, and gradually regain their normal thickness and color, although the new normal thickness and color, although the new hair may remain white in older patients.hair may remain white in older patients. Subsequent episodes tend to be more extensive Subsequent episodes tend to be more extensive and regrowth is slower.and regrowth is slower. A few patients loss all the hair from their head A few patients loss all the hair from their head (alopecia totalis), or from the whole skin surface (alopecia totalis), or from the whole skin surface (alopecia universalis)(alopecia universalis)..

Poor prognostic factors;Poor prognostic factors;

1. onset before puberty.1. onset before puberty.2. association with atopy or down's disease.2. association with atopy or down's disease.3. widespread alopecia.3. widespread alopecia.4. involvement of the scalp margin (ophiasiform 4. involvement of the scalp margin (ophiasiform type)type)..

Differential diagnosis:Differential diagnosis:

-patches are non-scaly in contrast to ringworm.-patches are non-scaly in contrast to ringworm.

-non-inflamed in contrast to lupus erythematosus -non-inflamed in contrast to lupus erythematosus or lichen planus.or lichen planus.

-in hair puling habit of children, and in traction -in hair puling habit of children, and in traction alopecia, broken hairs may be seen, but true alopecia, broken hairs may be seen, but true exclamation-mark hairs are absentexclamation-mark hairs are absent..

Treatment:Treatment:-a patient with first or minor attacks can be -a patient with first or minor attacks can be reassured, tranquillizers may be helpful at the reassured, tranquillizers may be helpful at the start.start.-intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (10mg/ml) -intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (10mg/ml) leads to localized tufts of regrowth.leads to localized tufts of regrowth.-spirit-based steroid lotion.-spirit-based steroid lotion.-mild irritants such as 0.1-0.25% dithranol.-mild irritants such as 0.1-0.25% dithranol.-UV radiation and PUVA.-UV radiation and PUVA.-contact sensitizers (diphencyprone).-contact sensitizers (diphencyprone).-topical immunosuppressive agents as -topical immunosuppressive agents as tacrolimus.tacrolimus.-systemic steroids better to be avoided-systemic steroids better to be avoided..

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness):Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness):Cause:Cause:Familial, but exact mode of inheritance is not yet been Familial, but exact mode of inheritance is not yet been clarified. clarified. The idea of a single autosomal dominant gene, with The idea of a single autosomal dominant gene, with reduced penetrance in women, now seems likely than reduced penetrance in women, now seems likely than polygenic type of inheritance. polygenic type of inheritance. Male-pattern baldness is androgen-dependance; in Male-pattern baldness is androgen-dependance; in females androgenetic alopecia with normal limits of females androgenetic alopecia with normal limits of circulating levels of androgen, is seen only in those who circulating levels of androgen, is seen only in those who

are strongly predisposed geneticallyare strongly predisposed genetically..

Presentation:Presentation:The common pattern in men is the loss of hair first from The common pattern in men is the loss of hair first from the temples, and then from the crown. the temples, and then from the crown. In women the hair loss may much more diffuse, In women the hair loss may much more diffuse, particularly from the crown. particularly from the crown. In bald areas, terminal hairs are replaced by finer vellus In bald areas, terminal hairs are replaced by finer vellus hairs.hairs.

Investigations:Investigations: none are needed, in women virilization may have to be none are needed, in women virilization may have to be excludedexcluded..

Treatment:Treatment:

1. Topical minoxidil; may slow early hair loss and 1. Topical minoxidil; may slow early hair loss and even stimulate new growth of hair. Small and recently even stimulate new growth of hair. Small and recently acquired patches respond best. When treatment stops, acquired patches respond best. When treatment stops, the new hairs fall out after about three months.the new hairs fall out after about three months.

2. Fenasteride; inhibitor of human type II 5α- 2. Fenasteride; inhibitor of human type II 5α-reductase, reduces serum and scalp skin levels of reductase, reduces serum and scalp skin levels of dihydrotestosterone in balding men at the dosage of 1 dihydrotestosterone in balding men at the dosage of 1 mg/day. The beneficial effect slowly reverses once mg/day. The beneficial effect slowly reverses once treatment has stopped. The treatment is not indicated in treatment has stopped. The treatment is not indicated in women and childrenwomen and children..

Traction alopecia:Traction alopecia:Cause:Cause: Hairs can be pulled out by several procedures Hairs can be pulled out by several procedures intended to beutify, including hot-combing to intended to beutify, including hot-combing to straighten kinky hair, tight hairstyles such as straighten kinky hair, tight hairstyles such as pony tailor 'corn rows' and using hair rollers too pony tailor 'corn rows' and using hair rollers too often or too tightlyoften or too tightly..

Presentation:Presentation:Usually seen in girls and young women. Usually seen in girls and young women. The pattern of hair loss is determined by the The pattern of hair loss is determined by the cosmetic procedure in use, hair been lost where cosmetic procedure in use, hair been lost where there is maximal tug.there is maximal tug.The term marginal alopecia is applied to one The term marginal alopecia is applied to one common pattern in which hair loss is mainly common pattern in which hair loss is mainly around the edge of the scalp-at the sides or at the around the edge of the scalp-at the sides or at the front.front. The bald areas show short broken hairs, The bald areas show short broken hairs, folliculitis and sometime scarring.folliculitis and sometime scarring.

Treatment:Treatment: avoidance of causative factors avoidance of causative factors..

Trichotillomania:Trichotillomania:

This is the habit of hair pulling, it is usually of This is the habit of hair pulling, it is usually of little consequence, and children who twist and little consequence, and children who twist and pull their hair, often as they are going to sleep, pull their hair, often as they are going to sleep, seldom have major psychiatric problem. The seldom have major psychiatric problem. The habit often goes away if it is ignoredhabit often goes away if it is ignored..

However, more sever degrees of hair-pulling are However, more sever degrees of hair-pulling are sometimes seen in disturbed adolescence and in sometimes seen in disturbed adolescence and in those with learning difficulties; then the outlook those with learning difficulties; then the outlook for full regrowth is less good, even with formal for full regrowth is less good, even with formal psychiatric helppsychiatric help..

The bald areas do not show exclamation mark of The bald areas do not show exclamation mark of alopecia areata, or the scaling or inflammation of alopecia areata, or the scaling or inflammation of ringworm. ringworm. The patterns are irregular in outline and hair loss The patterns are irregular in outline and hair loss is not complete. is not complete. Those hairs that remain are bent or broken, and Those hairs that remain are bent or broken, and of variable lengthof variable length..

Patchy hair loss caused by skin disease:Patchy hair loss caused by skin disease:

1. scalp ringworm:1. scalp ringworm:Inflammation with postulation is a feature of Inflammation with postulation is a feature of animal ringworm, and the resultant scarring can animal ringworm, and the resultant scarring can be sever.be sever.Human ringworm produces scaling and broken Human ringworm produces scaling and broken

hairshairs..

22 . .Psoriasis:Psoriasis:The rough removal of adherent scales can also The rough removal of adherent scales can also remove the hairs, but regrowth is the ruleremove the hairs, but regrowth is the rule..

33 . .scarring alopecia:scarring alopecia:Hair follicles may damage in many ways. If Hair follicles may damage in many ways. If follicular openings can no longer be seen with a follicular openings can no longer be seen with a lens, regrowth of hair can not beexpected.lens, regrowth of hair can not beexpected.Causes; sever burn, trauma, carbuncle, Causes; sever burn, trauma, carbuncle, inflammatory ringworm, discoid lupus inflammatory ringworm, discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, morphoea, and erythematosus, lichen planus, morphoea, and pseudopeladepseudopelade..

Diffuse hair loss:Diffuse hair loss: Some causes of diffuse hair loss:Some causes of diffuse hair loss:1.Telogen effluvium1.Telogen effluvium2. Endocrine2. Endocrine -hypopituitarism -hypopituitarism -hypo- or hyperthyroidism -hypo- or hyperthyroidism -hypoparathyroidism -hypoparathyroidism3. Drug-induced3. Drug-induced -antimitotic agents (anagen effluvium) -antimitotic agents (anagen effluvium) -anticoagulants -anticoagulants -vitamin A excess -vitamin A excess -oral contraceptives -oral contraceptives4. Androgenetic4. Androgenetic5. Iron deficiency5. Iron deficiency6. Severe chronic illness6. Severe chronic illness7. Malnutrition7. Malnutrition8. Diffuse type of alopecia areata8. Diffuse type of alopecia areata

Telogen effluviumTelogen effluviumCauseCauseTelogen effluvium can be triggered by any Telogen effluvium can be triggered by any severe illness, particularly those with bouts of severe illness, particularly those with bouts of fever or haemorrhage, by childbirth and by fever or haemorrhage, by childbirth and by severe dieting. severe dieting. All of these synchronize catagen so that, later on, All of these synchronize catagen so that, later on, large numbers of hairs are lost at the same timelarge numbers of hairs are lost at the same time..

Presentation and courseThe diffuse hair fall, 2–3 months after the provoking illness, can be mild or severe. In the latter case Beau’s lines may be seen on the nails. Regrowth, not always complete, usually occurs within a few months.

Differential diagnosisDifferential diagnosisThis is from other types of diffuse hair loss.This is from other types of diffuse hair loss.

TreatmentTreatmentThis condition is unaffected by therapy, but This condition is unaffected by therapy, but patients can be reassured that their hair fall will patients can be reassured that their hair fall will be temporarybe temporary..

Hirsutism and hypertrichosisHirsutism and hypertrichosis

HirsutismHirsutism is the growth of terminal hair in a is the growth of terminal hair in a female which is distributed in the pattern female which is distributed in the pattern normally seen in a male. normally seen in a male.

HypertrichosisHypertrichosis is an excessive growth of is an excessive growth of terminal hair that does not follow anterminal hair that does not follow anandrogen-induced patternandrogen-induced pattern..

HirsutismHirsutismCauseCause*Some degree of hirsutism may be a racial or *Some degree of hirsutism may be a racial or familial trait, and minor facial hirsutism is familial trait, and minor facial hirsutism is common after the menopause. common after the menopause. *In addition, some patients without a family*In addition, some patients without a familybackground of hirsutism become hirsute in the background of hirsutism become hirsute in the absence of any demonstrable hormonal cause absence of any demonstrable hormonal cause (idiopathic hirsutism)(idiopathic hirsutism) . .

*Pathological causes:-Ovaian causes:

Polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian tumors like, microadenoma, arrhenoblastoma, Leydig cell tumor, hilar cell adenoma…etc.

-Adrenal causes:congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal adenoma ,adrenal carcinoma, adult onset ACH

-Pituitary causes:cushing,s disease, acromegaly, prolactin-secreting adenoma

-Other causes:hypothyroidism, hepatorenal failure, exogenous intake of androgens, phenothiazine intake

PresentationPresentationAn excessive growth of hair appears in the beard area,An excessive growth of hair appears in the beard area,on the chest and shoulder-tips, around the nippleson the chest and shoulder-tips, around the nipplesand in the male pattern of pubic hair. Androgeneticand in the male pattern of pubic hair. Androgeneticalopecia may complete the picture.alopecia may complete the picture.

CourseCourseFamilial, racial or idiopathic hirsutism tends to startFamilial, racial or idiopathic hirsutism tends to startat puberty and to worsen with age.at puberty and to worsen with age.

ComplicationsComplicationsVirilization causes infertility; psychological disturb-Virilization causes infertility; psychological disturb-ances are commonances are common..

InvestigationsInvestigationsSignificant hormonal abnormalities are not usuallySignificant hormonal abnormalities are not usuallyfound in patients with a normal menstrual cycle.found in patients with a normal menstrual cycle.Investigations are needed:Investigations are needed:• if hirsutism occurs in childhood;• if hirsutism occurs in childhood;• if there are other features of virilization, such as• if there are other features of virilization, such asclitoromegaly;clitoromegaly;• if the hirsutism is of sudden or recent onset; or• if the hirsutism is of sudden or recent onset; or• if there is menstrual irregularity or cessation.• if there is menstrual irregularity or cessation.The tests used will include measurement of the serumThe tests used will include measurement of the serumtestosterone, sex-hormone-binding globulin, LH, testosterone, sex-hormone-binding globulin, LH, FSH,dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione FSH,dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione and prolactin. and prolactin. Ovarian ultrasound is useful if polycysticOvarian ultrasound is useful if polycysticovaries are suspected.ovaries are suspected. CT and MRI if tumor suspected CT and MRI if tumor suspected..

Treatment:Treatment:

*Any underlying disorder must be treated .*Any underlying disorder must be treated .*Home remedies for minor hirsutism include *Home remedies for minor hirsutism include commercial depilatory creams (often containing commercial depilatory creams (often containing a thioglycollate), waxing or shaving, or making a thioglycollate), waxing or shaving, or making the appearance less obvious by bleaching; none the appearance less obvious by bleaching; none remove the hair permamentl.remove the hair permamentl.*The abnormally active follicles, if relatively *The abnormally active follicles, if relatively few, can be destroyed by electrolysis. few, can be destroyed by electrolysis. *If the hairs are too numerous for this, the excess *If the hairs are too numerous for this, the excess can be removed by lasercan be removed by laser..

**Topical therapy with eflornithine, an inhibitor of Topical therapy with eflornithine, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, can slow regrowthornithine decarboxylase, can slow regrowth . .

**Oral antiandrogens (e.g. cyproterone acetate; Oral antiandrogens (e.g. cyproterone acetate; Dianette; metformine; finasteride) may sometimes be Dianette; metformine; finasteride) may sometimes be helpful, but will be needed long-term. Pregnancy must helpful, but will be needed long-term. Pregnancy must be avoided during such treatment as it carries the risk be avoided during such treatment as it carries the risk

of feminizing a male fetusof feminizing a male fetus . .

Spironolactone is used less often nowSpironolactone is used less often now..

HypertrichosisHypertrichosisThe localized type is most commonly seen over mela-The localized type is most commonly seen over mela-nocytic naevi including Becker’s naevi.nocytic naevi including Becker’s naevi.It can also affect the sacral area as a ‘satyr’s tuft’inIt can also affect the sacral area as a ‘satyr’s tuft’insome patients with spina bifida. some patients with spina bifida. Excessive amounts of hair may grow near chronically Excessive amounts of hair may grow near chronically inflamed joints or under plaster casts. inflamed joints or under plaster casts. Repeated shaving does not bring on hypertrichosis Repeated shaving does not bring on hypertrichosis although occupational pressure may do so, e.g. from although occupational pressure may do so, e.g. from carrying weights on the shoulder.carrying weights on the shoulder.Generalized hypertrichosis is much less commonGeneralized hypertrichosis is much less common..

Some causes of generalized hypertrichosisSome causes of generalized hypertrichosis..-Anorexia nervosa, starvation-Anorexia nervosa, starvation-Drug-induced (minoxidil, diazoxide, cyclosporin)-Drug-induced (minoxidil, diazoxide, cyclosporin)-Hepatic cutaneous porphyria -Hepatic cutaneous porphyria -Fetal alcohol and fetal phenytoin syndromes-Fetal alcohol and fetal phenytoin syndromes-Hypertrichosis lanuginosa (both congenital type and-Hypertrichosis lanuginosa (both congenital type andacquired types are very rare the latter signals an internalacquired types are very rare the latter signals an internalmalignancy)malignancy)-Some rare syndromes, e.g. Cornelia de Lange -Some rare syndromes, e.g. Cornelia de Lange syndrome (hypertrichosis, microcephaly and mental syndrome (hypertrichosis, microcephaly and mental deficiency) and Hurler’s syndromedeficiency) and Hurler’s syndrome

ThanksThanks