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Top Clinical Insights: Challenging Cases in Alopecia

  • Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia is an autosomal dominant condition that can be exasperated by hairstyles.

  • Don't forget to ask about glue use in women with hair loss. It can cause irreversible alopecia and the ingredients have been associated with anaphylaxis.

  • Tinea capitis is often associated with occipital and/or postauricular lymphadenopathy. When you see recurrent tinea corporis, check the scalp for tinea capitis.

  • Loose anagen hair syndrome is characterized by painless hair plucking but in young girls age 2-6 and should improve over time. Parents report hair that just doesn't grow.

  • Lab testing is not required for patients with the diagnosis of alopecia areata unless they have symptoms of autoimmune disease.

  • Patients with alopecia areata often describe a sensation of tingling or burning. This can be a clue to diffuse alopecia areata.

  • N-acetylcysteine 1200-2400 mg QD can be helpful for hair pulling and skin picking. Caution for GI side effects.