Background: Hair loss affects over 80 million individuals in the United States and represents a significant source of patient distress, impacting quality of life, work productivity, and mental health. Accurate differentiation between scarring and nonscarring alopecias is essential for appropriate management and patient counseling regarding prognosis.

Objectives: This presentation will enable participants to:

1. understand the most common causes of hair loss,

2. develop a systematic approach to hair loss evaluation and

work-up,

3. differentiate between scarring and non-scarring hair loss,

4. discuss evidence-based therapeutic options for managing

hair loss, and

5. (5) counsel patients on risks and benefits of hair loss therapies.

Content Overview: This session will review the clinical features, diagnostic approach, and management of both scarring and non-scarring alopecias. Non-scarring conditions to be discussed include androgenetic alopecia (AGA), alopecia areata (AA), telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, tinea capitis, and trichotillomania. Scarring alopecia will include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), and lichen planopilaris (LPP). The presentation will emphasize the importance of early recognition, appropriate diagnostic workup including dermoscopy and scalp biopsy when indicated, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Special attention will be given to emerging therapies, including JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata and novel approaches to scarring alopecias.

Conclusion: A systematic approach to hair loss evaluation, combined with knowledge of current evidence-based treatments, enables clinicians to provide optimal care and realistic expectations for patients experiencing hair loss.

Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C is a certified physician assistant with Epiphany Dermatology. She brings over 15 years of experience to manage the dermatologic needs of patients of all ages and skin types, with special interests in acne, eczema, psoriasis, and disorders affecting skin of color. She is also passionate about lifestyle medicine, preventative healthcare, and integrative/holistic approaches to managing skin disease. Her formal educational training includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Clinical Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies from Barry University in Miami, FL.