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Hair disorders are extremely common
problems ranging from hair loss to hair fragility to hair
overgrowth. Hair loss, or alopecia, may involve genetic abnormalities
that lead to hair loss in childhood (example: papular atrichia)
or in adulthood (example: male pattern baldness) or non-genetic
acquired abnormalities from drugs (example: chemotherapy-induced
alopecia), hair care practices (example: hot comb alopecia)
or infections (example: fungal-related alopecia or "tinea
capitis"). Effective treatment of these conditions requires
a correct diagnosis and for this, one should ideally see a
dermatologist with expertise in hair problems. A diagnosis
will lead to very specific treatment options that then can
be discussed with the dermatologist as to cost, potential
to reverse versus containing the hair loss or hair overgrowth,
and time to response.
The following are a series of summations on common hair disorders
prepared by experts of the North American Hair Research Society
followed by questions our clinician members are frequently
asked by patients. This information is meant to extend one's
knowledge on the hair disorder or dispel myths or misunderstandings
regarding common therapies used in treatment. The comments
are in no way meant to substitute for a physician evaluation
and diagnosis but instead are meant to augment information
already received. The North American Hair Research Society
is not responsible for any actions taken by individuals as
a result of the following information. No treatment should
be initiated or discontinued based on the information imparted
here but the reader is specifically referred back to his/her
dermatologist/primary physician for further discussion.
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