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International Immunology Jul 2019The hair follicle (HF) is a complex mini-organ that constantly undergoes dynamic cycles of growth and regression throughout life. While proper progression of the hair... (Review)
Review
The hair follicle (HF) is a complex mini-organ that constantly undergoes dynamic cycles of growth and regression throughout life. While proper progression of the hair cycle requires homeostatic interplay between the HF and its immune microenvironment, specific parts of the HF, such as the bulge throughout the hair cycle and the bulb in the anagen phase, maintain relative immune privilege (IP). When this IP collapses, inflammatory infiltrates that aggregate around the bulge and bulb launch an immune attack on the HF, resulting in hair loss or alopecia. Alopecia areata (AA) and primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) are two common forms of immune-mediated alopecias, and recent advancements in understanding their disease mechanisms have accelerated the discovery of novel treatments for immune-mediated alopecias, specifically AA. In this review, we highlight the pathomechanisms involved in both AA and CA in hopes that a deeper understanding of their underlying disease pathogenesis will encourage the development of more effective treatments that can target distinct disease pathways with greater specificity while minimizing adverse effects.
Topics: Alopecia; Animals; Hair Follicle; Humans
PubMed: 31050755
DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxz039 -
Advances in Dermatology 1989The major types of alopecia that can be diagnosed histologically are androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, inflammatory scarring alopecias,... (Review)
Review
The major types of alopecia that can be diagnosed histologically are androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, inflammatory scarring alopecias, pseudopelade, and anagen and telogen effluviums. Important to recognize are the common histologic features in chronic alopecias, which include follicular plugging, decreased numbers of hair follicles, frequent increased fibrous tracts, and superficial changes of actinic damage. Specific helpful changes to be observed are (1) the presence of actinically damaged skin that would reveal a chronic alopecic condition, (2) the presence and site of the dermal inflammation, (3) whether there is a decrease in the numbers of hair follicles and the presence of a reversal of the anagen/telogen ratio, (4) miniaturization of the hair follicle, (5) evidence of involution, and (6) the presence of scarring as demonstrated with elastic fiber stains. By assessing these histologic changes, the dermatopathologist can make a reasonably specific diagnosis of alopecia.
Topics: Acute Disease; Alopecia; Chronic Disease; Female; Hair; Humans; Lichen Planus; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Male; Trichotillomania
PubMed: 2701796
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Dermatology Jun 2023
Topics: Humans; Traction; Alopecia
PubMed: 37133879
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.6298 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jul 2012Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a distressing side effect common to certain treatment regimens in oncology. Unfortunately, chemotherapy-induced alopecia is an often... (Review)
Review
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a distressing side effect common to certain treatment regimens in oncology. Unfortunately, chemotherapy-induced alopecia is an often overlooked or minor factor among our current research priorities and thus advances in amelioration have been minimal. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the clinically relevant basic science, clinical research, and current management options for chemotherapy-induced alopecia. We emphasize that hair loss secondary to chemotherapy is not as random or nonspecific in patterns or extent of disease, as one would initially perceive. Patient support and education information and templates are provided to facilitate patient treatment.
Topics: Alopecia; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Hair; Humans
PubMed: 22178150
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2011.02.026 -
JAMA Dermatology Apr 2021
Topics: Alopecia; Dermatologists; Humans
PubMed: 33688909
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5731 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2017Traction alopecia was first described in 1904 but is still a cause of scarring hair loss in young women worldwide. It is unique in being initially a reversible then an... (Review)
Review
Traction alopecia was first described in 1904 but is still a cause of scarring hair loss in young women worldwide. It is unique in being initially a reversible then an irreversible (scarring) form of alopecia. Linked to tightly-pulled hairstyles, it is seen across all races. The pattern of hair loss depends on the style creating it but most commonly affects the frontotemporal hairline. There are some new examination findings associated with traction alopecia, which are traction folliculitis, the fringe sign and hair casts (pseudonits) on dermatoscopy. These may prove key in prompting early specialist referral. The mainstay of current treatment is cessation of the contributing hairstyles. Camouflage, anti-inflammatory or growth-stimulating topical preparations are second line treatments. In later stages of severe traction alopecia hair transplantation may be the only effective treatment. The evidence basis for medical intervention with topical agents is anecdotal at best. Furthermore, additional research is required to clarify the pathogenesis of this biphasic alopecia. Until then, prompt diagnosis and identification of causative hairstyles are focus of current dermatological practice.
Topics: Alopecia; Hair Preparations; Humans; Traction
PubMed: 29035284
DOI: 10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_553_16 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Aug 2021
Topics: Alopecia; Fibrosis; Humans; Scalp
PubMed: 34033818
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.015 -
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of... Jun 2007Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern hair loss, affects approximately 50% of the male population. AGA is an androgen-related condition in genetically predisposed... (Review)
Review
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern hair loss, affects approximately 50% of the male population. AGA is an androgen-related condition in genetically predisposed individuals. There is no treatment to completely reverse AGA in advanced stages, but with medical treatment (eg, finasteride, minoxidil, or a combination of both), the progression can be arrested and partly reversed in the majority of patients who have mild to moderate AGA. Combination with hair restoration surgery leads to best results in suitable candidates. Physicians who specialize in male health issues should be familiar with this common condition and all the available approved treatment options.
Topics: Alopecia; Androgens; Comorbidity; Finasteride; Humans; Male; Minoxidil; Models, Biological; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Surgery, Plastic
PubMed: 17543725
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2007.03.004 -
International Journal of Dermatology May 1999
Review
Topics: Alopecia; Female; Finasteride; Humans; Male; Minoxidil
PubMed: 10369534
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-4362.1999.00002.x -
Revista Medico-chirurgicala a... 2014Alopecia is a loss of hair in the areas where it normally grows. It has to be distinguished from atrichia, the congenital absence of hair due to the absence of hair... (Review)
Review
Alopecia is a loss of hair in the areas where it normally grows. It has to be distinguished from atrichia, the congenital absence of hair due to the absence of hair follicles, and hipotrichosis, scarcity or absence of hair in some congenital diseases. Alopecia is either scarring, when the skin appears atrophic, scaling, and smooth and the hair follicles are absent, or nonscarring, when hair loss is not accompanied by the destruction of hair follicles. This paper is a review of all types of alopecia and their features in an attempt to make them easier to identify and differentiate.
Topics: Alopecia; Dermoscopy; Hair Follicle; Humans; Risk Factors
PubMed: 24741769
DOI: No ID Found