Other Types of Hair Loss

This section discusses a few different other types of hairloss that have not been discussed in other sections.

Syphilitic Alopecia

Syphilitic Alopecia is usually a manifestation or secondary syphilis. The hairloss that occurs is patchy and often described as moth eaten. Diagnosis is made by either blood test or microscopic examination and penicillin is often used to treat the condition.

Scleroderma

Sclerodema is a disease that causes fibrosis (hardening and tightening) of the skin. The hardening is caused by excessive collagen production, which causes hardening of the skin and when it appears on the scalp interferes with the normal functioning of the hair follicles and growth of the hair. The manifestation of Scleroderma can range from mild localised scleroderma where just a few patches may appear on the skin or it can be severe and effect the internal organs as well. This type of scleroderma is known as systematic scleroderma. Sclerodema is much more common in woman with the onset usually occurring between the ages of 40-60.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis is another name for ringworm, which appears on the scalp. Tinea capitis is highly contagious and may spread throughout an entire family, school or kindergarten. It can also be passed from animals to humans as well as between people. The main symptoms or signs of Tinea capitis is scaling and redness in a round or uneven area of stubbled hairloss. This is where the tinea is digesting the keratin of the hair. These patches of hairloss slowly expand as the tinea spreads. The most commonly used treatment for ringworm is an anti fungal agent which is taken once a day for a period of between four and twelve weeks. Nizoral Shampoo (Ketaconazole 2%) may occasionally be prescribed in addition to oral treatment to reduce the surface scaling.