Hair Disorders Made Easier

Marian Senna, director of the hair loss clinic at Leahy Hospital Medical Center, discusses practical approaches to diagnosing and managing hair loss disorders. Emphasizing the importance of screening for conditions like telogen effluvium (TE), she outlines a structured protocol for patient visits which includes ruling out inflammation and possibly conducting lab tests or biopsies. Senna recommends using intake forms to gather patient history and assess the psychological impact of hair loss through a Likert scale question. By documenting features such as the timeline of hair loss, and including questions about other symptoms like eyebrow or eyelash loss, providers can arrive at a more accurate diagnosis. She shares a case study where TE was identified, illustrating the significance of thorough screening to avoid unnecessary treatments. Senna stresses the necessity of monitoring patient progress over time through standardized measurements and documentations such as photographs. She advises against rushing evaluations, highlighting the importance of utilizing tools like a dermatoscope to catch early signs of scarring alopecia. In conclusion, she underscores the need for ongoing documentation and monitoring, and invites attendees to join the upcoming Hair Health Summit in Chicago for continued education in hair disorders.