BALDNESS
A clever mnemonic to apply here is HAIR. The H stands for
hereditary baldness and hormonal baldness, such as that caused
by hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The A stands for alopecia
areata and autoimmune disease, such as lupus erythematosus. The
I stands for inflammatory conditions, most notably tinea capitis,
impetigo, or any condition associated
with prolonged fever. The I also stands for intoxication, with
arsenic and gold therapy most important here. Finally, the R stands
for radiation. This is particularly significant today with so many
victims of neoplasms being treated with this modality.
Approach to the Diagnosis
The Wood’s lamp and scrapings of any scaly material are useful in
distinguishing tinea capitis from lupus and other disorders, but taking a skin biopsy of any unusual lesion is wise. Referral to a dermatologist is
best if fungus or other infections are ruled out and the findings from
thyroid function studies are normal.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP
- Year of Publication: 2007
- Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Hair loss
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Hair loss:
Medical Books Excerpts
- ALOPECIA
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Alopecia
- "In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- BALDNESS
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Alopecia
- "A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis" (1999)
- [ read ]
- Alopecia
- "Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)" (2005)
- [ read ]
- Alopecia
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Alopecia
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Hair Loss
- "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
- [ read ]
- BALDNESS
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Hair loss
» Next page: Medications causing Hair loss
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