Diagnostic Evaluation of Hair Loss: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The psychosocial impact of alopecia on the quality of life of patients underscores the importance of dermatologist readiness to evaluate this common chief complaint. When evaluating a patient presenting with new-onset hair loss, the differential diagnosis may be broad, encompassing many subtypes of hair loss. Each type of scarring or non-scarring alopecia presents with its own unique aetiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, trichoscopic findings, and laboratory studies. Further, accurate diagnosis is needed to determine appropriate therapeutic management. This review provides a systematic approach for dermatologists to use in order to accurately diagnose hair loss disorders, including clinical examination, laboratory evaluation, and specialised tests.