HAIR RELATED DISEASES

 Definitions, signs and symptoms, and diagnosis:

1. Alopecia Areata:

   - Definition: An autoimmune condition causing sudden hair loss, typically in small, round patches on the scalp.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Rapid onset of smooth, round bald patches; sometimes tingling or itching.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical examination, scalp biopsy, blood tests to rule out autoimmune disorders.

2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness):

   - Definition: Genetic and hormonal hair loss, more common in men (male pattern) and women (female pattern).

   - Signs and Symptoms: Gradual hair thinning, receding hairline in men, widening part in women.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical examination, medical history, microscopic hair analysis.

3. Telogen Effluvium:

   - Definition: Excessive shedding of hair due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle, often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Widespread hair thinning, increased hair shedding.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical evaluation, medical history, blood tests to identify underlying causes.

4. Trichotillomania:

   - Definition: A psychological disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's own hair.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Patchy hair loss, broken hairs of varying lengths, associated psychological distress.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical assessment, psychological evaluation, ruling out other causes of hair loss.

5. Tinea Capitis (Ringworm of the Scalp):

   -  Definition: Fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair shafts.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Circular patches of hair loss, redness, scaling, itching.

   -  Diagnosis: Clinical examination, Wood's lamp examination, fungal culture.

6. Hirsutism:

   - Definition: Excessive hair growth in androgen-dependent areas, often in women.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Coarse, dark hair on the face, chest, back.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical examination, hormonal blood tests, imaging studies.

7. Seborrheic Dermatitis:

   - Definition: Chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting areas rich in sebaceous glands, including the scalp.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Flaky, itchy scalp, white or yellowish scales.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical examination, skin biopsy if necessary.

8. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA):

   - Definition: Scarring hair loss often starting at the crown of the scalp, more common in women of African descent.

   - Signs and Symptoms: Progressive hair loss, scarring.

   - Diagnosis: Clinical examination, scalp biopsy.