title: Alopecia of the unburned scalp.
abstract: Alopecia of the unburned scalp, the temporary or permanent loss of hair, is a preventable complication. Patients at highest risk of developing alopecia are those with burn encephalopathy and in a prolonged shock state. The occipital scalp is the most common site and localized pressure-induced ischaemia is the likely cause. Frequent head repositioning and use of devices to decrease the pressure effect may decrease the incidence of this complication.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Balakrishnan
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Meininger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications; D012535:Scalp / Q000098:blood supply; D012769:Shock / Q000150:complications; D015208:Smoke Inhalation Injury / Q000150:complications