How To Treat Hair Loss

H AIR loss is a common presentation to the general dermatologist, and though unlikely to be life threatening, can result in considerable distress. Although alopecia (Greek for “hair loss”) can occur on any hair-bearing skin, it is scalp and facial loss for which patients seek help.

There are several types, which are broadly divided into scarring (cicatricial) or non-scarring, though diseases within these arbitrary groups are not necessarily related. The emphasis of this review is on non-scarring alopecias. These tend to be more common and have more management options available to the GP.