Diffuse Hair Loss in Women in Clinical Practice

Czech version

Authors: R. Kučerová; M. Bienová
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika chorob kožních a pohlavních, Fakultní nemocnice a LF UP Olomouc vedoucí odborný asistent MUDr. Martin Tichý, Ph. D.
Published in: Čes-slov Derm, 90, 2015, No. 5, p. 181-188
Category: Reviews (Continuing Medical Education)

Overview

Diffuse hair loss is a common reason for the affected women to visit a dermatologist. The classification of diffuse effluvium type is based on the physiology of the hair follicle growth cycle. The most frequent type of diffuse hair loss is telogen effluvium that has many different causes (hormonal, drugs, trace elements deficit, etc.), which is sometimes difficult to determine as in the case of idiopathic chronic telogen effluvium. In the anagen or anagen-dystrophic effluvium, the causing noxious event (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) is, usually, evident. Autoimmune based alopecia incognita could cause diagnostic difficulties. A specific subtype of effluvium is an androgenic alopecia of females, also called “female pattern hair loss (FPHL)” which has typical clinical picture. The treatment of diffuse effluvium is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause, if known. In androgenetic alopecia is a frequent choice of drugs with anti-androgenic effect. Minoxidil in a 2% solution for external application is indicated in most types of diffuse effluvium for its ability to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. Finally, it is necessary to provide psychological support for patients in order to relieve the anxiety that stems from fear of losing their hair.

Key words:
hair follicle cycle – anagen – telogen – diffuse hair loss– telogen effluvium– dystrophic-anagen effluvium - female pattern hair loss – antiandrogens – minoxidil

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Czech-Slovak Dermatology

2015 Issue 5