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- Title
A practical, algorithmic approach to diagnosing hair shaft disorders.
- Authors
Mirmirani, Paradi; Huang, Kathie P.; Price, Vera H.
- Abstract
The hair shaft is a unique structure composed of an inner cortex and a protective outer cuticle. Any defects in this normal structure due to genetics or the environment can lead to variations in physical properties. Thus one should suspect a hair shaft disorder if a patient presents with an abnormality or change in hair texture, appearance, manageability or ability to grow hair long. A key feature of the clinical evaluation is to determine whether there is hair breakage (increased fragility) by looking for broken hairs and performing a tug test. Once this determination is made, an algorithmic approach can be used to narrow the differential diagnosis: hair shaft disorders with and without fragility. A hair mount along with other directed questions and examination will almost always allow the clinician to make an in-office diagnosis. Common case scenarios, photographs, and practical tips are provided to illustrate the use of this algorithmic approach in the diagnosis of hair shaft disorders. We have also included a summary of the molecular defects where known, which can be helpful in providing a correlation with clinical findings, in counseling patients, and potentially offering treatment options.
- Subjects
HAIR diseases; BALDNESS; HAIR manifestations of general diseases; DIFFERENTIAL diagnosis; MEDICAL care; MEDICAL personnel; DIAGNOSIS
- Publication
International Journal of Dermatology, 2011, Vol 50, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0011-9059
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04768.x