title: Trichodystrophies: A hair-raising differential diagnosis.
abstract: The appearance of an individual's hair is said to be reflective of internal health. Patients with hair shaft disorders commonly present with fragile, lusterless, sparse hair in addition to psychosocial distress. Hair shaft disorders may be hereditary or acquired and may present in children or adults. Due to the varied presentations, the differential diagnosis for hair is broad and often confusing. The authors present a question-by-question guide to help clinicians arrive at the correct diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102. Electronic address: vija@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Alok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vij
authors.affiliation: Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102.
authors.forename: Wilma F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Bergfeld
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D013997:Time Factors