Analysis of hair loss in young adults- A clinical study

Abstract

Background: Alopecia or hair loss is a common problem encountered in dermatology clinics. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 110 cases of hair loss of both genders. A thorough clinical examination was done. Scalp examination was done to see the presence of erythema, scaling, oozing, pustules, and follicular plugging. Hair examination was done and hair color, texture, fragility, hair shaft abnormalities, and hair root was examined. Results: Out of 110 patients, males were 60 and females were 50. Pattern of alopecia was diffuse in 35 and patchy in 75, causes were congenital in 30 and acquired in 80, type was non cicatricial in 92 and cicatricial in 18. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Associated symptoms were atopic dermatitis in 3, nail pitting in 2, leukonychia in 1, urticaria in 4 and vitiligo in 2. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Hair loss is a common phenomenon. The pattern of alopecia was diffuse and patchy, causes were congenital acquired, type was non cicatricial and cicatricial.