716A study of clinical and trichoscopic evaluation of diffuse hair loss in adult females

Abstract

Abstract Background Hair fall is a major concern to the patient leading to angst, psychological distress and decrease in quality of life style, more so in female. The aim of the study is to evaluate diffuse hair loss (DHL) in adult females & find the underlying causes. Methods This was an observational, prospective time bound hospital-based study including clinical and trichoscopic evaluation of DHL in women. 222 adult women who had DHL of 4 or more weeks were studied. Detailed history was taken and clinical examination was performed. Laboratory investigations like Hb, Iron Profile, Thyroid Panel was also noted. Trichogram, trichoscopy was performed for perfect visualization of hairs. Results Among the subjects, 95 women were diagnosed as having female pattern hair loss (FPHL), 89 as telogen effluvium, 24 as chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) while 14 had FPHL and TE both. Mean age of females was 33.92 ± 5.46 years. Majority, 145 (65.3%) of the patients were in the age group of 31-40 years. Stress (18%) and PCOD (15%) were the most common precipitating factors. Majority (75.3 %) females with TE have positive hair pull test. Brown peripilar sign (PPS) and white PPS was present in 15.8% and 8.1% women respectively. Conclusions The common causes for DHL are FPHL, TE, CTE and FPHL with TE. Key messages Along with definitive treatment, understanding of the cause of hair loss by the patient goes a long way in appropriate beneficial lifestyle modification and holistic management.