Question 1

A patient diagnosed with alopecia is noted to have scaling on the affected areas of the scalp. Which confirmatory test(s) will the provider order?&#10;A) Examination of scalp scrapings with potassium hydroxide (KOH)&#10;B) Grasping and pulling on a few dozen hairs&#10;C) Serum iron studies and a complete blood count&#10;D) Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test

Accepted Answer

Examination of scalp scrapings with potassium hydroxide (KOH) can confirm the diagnosis of alopecia by detecting the presence of fungal infection.

Question 2

A patient is seen in the clinic for patches of hair loss. The provider notes several well-demarcated patches on the scalp and eyebrows without areas of inflammation and several hairs within the patch with thinner shafts near the scalp. Based on these findings, which type of alopecia is most likely?

A) Alopecia areata
B) Anagen effluvium
C) Cicatricial alopecia
D) Telogen effluvium

A

Accepted Answer

The presentation of well-demarcated patches of hair loss without inflammation and thinner hairs near the scalp are classic features of alopecia areata. Anagen effluvium is characterized by diffuse hair loss and is usually caused by chemotherapy. Cicatricial alopecia is a permanent form of hair loss due to scarring and telogen effluvium presents as diffused hair shedding typically with a history of a triggering event such as childbirth or surgery.

Question 3

A female patient is diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. Which medication will the primary health care provider prescribe?&#10;A) Anthralin&#10;B) Cyclosporine&#10;C) Finasteride&#10;D) Minoxidil

Accepted Answer

Minoxidil is the primary medication used to treat androgenetic alopecia in females. It is a topical treatment that needs to be applied to the scalp twice a day. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Anthralin, Cyclosporine and Finasteride are not typically used for treating female androgenetic alopecia. Anthralin is used for psoriasis, Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug used post-transplantation or for autoimmune diseases, and Finasteride is typically used for treating male pattern baldness.

Deck 40: Alopecia