Alopecia: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 31-year-old female presents to the clinic complaining of diffuse hair loss on her scalp. She says that the hair loss started about 3 months after she lost her parents in a car crash. The hair pull test is positive. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Anagen effluvium
B. Traction alopecia
C. Androgenetic alopecia
D. Telogen effluvium
E. Alopecia areta
Answer and topic summary
The answer is D. Telogen effluvium
Alopecia is defined as hair loss from any part of the body (most commonly associated with the scalp). Causes include congenital or acquired (e.g., telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, traction alopecia, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia). It can be scarring or non-scarring. Treatment depends on the type of alopecia but may include: minoxidil, anti-androgens, surgery, or corticosteroids.
Telogen effluvium specifically is associated with stress or nutritional deficiencies. Hair density typically reduces by 1/2, but it does not end up with complete baldness. A hair pull test will be positive. Management is stopping the causative agent if able and optimization of nutrition.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Dermatology ⇒ ⇒
Also covered as part of the Family Medicine EOR and Pediatric EOR topic lists
