PHAR1612: Hair and Scalp Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for the scientific study of hair, its diseases, and its care?

Dermatology

Hairalogy

Trichology (correct)

Scalpology

What is the part of the hair located below the surface of the epidermis?

Hair follicle

Hair root (correct)

Hair bulb

Hair shaft

Where are hair follicles not found in the body?

Back

Scalp

Palms of the hands and the soles of the feet (correct)

Arms

What is the lower part of the hair strand that fits over and covers the dermal papilla?

Hair bulb Signup and view all the answers

What is the tube-like depression or pocket in the skin or scalp that contains the hair root?

Hair follicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the portion of the hair that projects above the epidermis?

Hair shaft Signup and view all the answers

What is the inner layer of skin that the hair follicle extends into?

Dermis Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of this course?

To provide students with exposure to common hair and scalp disorders and management Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the fungus Malassezia in causing dandruff?

It exerts lipase activity, breaking down triglycerides and fats in sebum into fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fungus that is normally found on the human scalp and is believed to play a role in causing dandruff?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common site for seborrheic dermatitis?

Palms of the hands Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that worsens seborrheic dermatitis?

Stress or poor health Signup and view all the answers

What is the age group most commonly affected by seborrheic dermatitis?

More common after puberty Signup and view all the answers

What is the male-to-female ratio of seborrheic dermatitis?

6:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the condition characterized by itching, burning, flaking, and redness of the skin?

Seborrheic dermatitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely association with the presence of high levels of dandruff?

High levels of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale Signup and view all the answers

What is the prevalence of dandruff in the population at some time in their lives?

75-97% of the population Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the incidence of dandruff reach its peak?

Second decade of life Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of dandruff?

Excessive shedding of dead skin cells, sometimes accompanied by itching and redness Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to refer patients with severe manifestations of dandruff?

To rule out other conditions that share similar signs and symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonality among the conditions discussed in this chapter, except tinea capitis?

They can all be controlled with similar over-the-counter medications Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical time frame for telogen effluvium to occur after significant physical or emotional stress?

2–3 months after stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the common outcome of telogen effluvium?

Spontaneous resolution and return to normal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a hormonal change that can lead to hair loss?

Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of hair loss during pregnancy?

It is distressing for the woman Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is known to cause hair loss?

Cytotoxic drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of propylene glycol in minoxidil?

To enhance absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal scenario for minoxidil treatment to be successful?

When the bald area is less than 10 cm in diameter and there is still some hair present Signup and view all the answers

What is the concentration of minoxidil available for use in hair loss?

2% and 5% lotion Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of users who report hair regrowth of non-vellus hair and stabilization of hair loss?

One in three Signup and view all the answers

What is the timeframe for seeing a reduction in hair loss when using minoxidil?

4-6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

How long should the lotion be left to dry naturally after application?

1 hour Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of the drug that is absorbed systemically?

1.5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of hair that will initially grow when using minoxidil?

Vellus hair Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency of applying the lotion?

Twice daily Signup and view all the answers

What is the theoretical possibility of an effect on the body when using minoxidil?

Hypotensive effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration of using minoxidil before abandoning treatment?

1 year Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hair and Scalp Disorders

Trichology: the scientific study of hair, its diseases, and its care.

Structure of Hair

Hair root: the part of the hair located below the surface of the epidermis
Hair shaft: the portion of the hair that projects above the epidermis

Hair Follicle

Defined as a tube-like depression or pocket in the skin or scalp that contains the hair root
Distribution: hair follicles are distributed all over the body, with the exceptions of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
Growth: the follicle extends downward from the epidermis into the dermis, where it surrounds the dermal papilla
Sometimes more than one hair will grow from a single follicle
Hair bulb: the lowest area or part of a hair strand that fits over and covers the dermal papilla

Dandruff

Epidemiology: rare in young children, increases rapidly and reaches its peak in the second decade of life, declining gradually thereafter
Signs and symptoms: excessive shedding of dead skin cells of the scalp in the form of scales, sometimes accompanied by itching and redness
Etiology: exact reason for accelerated cell turnover is unknown; associated with genetic predisposition, emotional stress, changes in quantity or quality of sebum, and fungal infection (Malassezia ovalis, Pityrosporum ovale, and Pityrosporum orbiculare)

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Signs and symptoms: itching, burning, flaking, and redness of the skin; scales are yellow-red and greasy
Epidemiology: more common after puberty, affects men six times more than women, worsened by stress or poor health
Etiology: precise cause remains unknown, with various theories including immunological, hormonal, and nutritional mechanisms

Hair Loss

Influencing factors: hormonal changes during and after pregnancy, medication (cytotoxic drugs, anticoagulants, lipid-lowering agents, vitamin A), and stress
Telogen effluvium: hair loss occurs 2-3 months after significant physical or emotional stress, with increased hair loss for a period of time before resolving spontaneously

Hair Loss Management

Minoxidil: the only treatment licensed for use in hair loss, available as a 2% or 5% lotion
Mechanism of action: unknown, but effective in promoting hair growth and stabilizing hair loss
Application: apply twice daily to the dry scalp, lightly massage into the affected area, and leave to dry naturally
Caution: irritant and allergic reactions to the alcohol/propylene glycol vehicle, theoretical possibility of hypotensive effect

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Description

This quiz covers common hair and scalp disorders and their management using pharmaceutical dosage forms. Students will learn about different types of hair and scalp disorders and their treatment options.