A simplified approach to the diagnosis of alopecia

Specific types of alopecia can be readily identified by history and physical examination with a high degree of accuracy in 97% of cases. Although some confirmatory laboratory studies may be required, two elements of the medical history and four elements of the physical examination can lead a dermatologist knowledgeable in the common scalp diseases to a rapid diagnosis. The key elements of history are age and duration of alopecia. The key elements of the examination are scalp status, pattern of loss, pull test results, and the integrity of the follicular units.