ABSTRACT
Hair is a modified type of keratin produced by the hair matrix. On the scalp, apart from its social and cosmetic function, hair protects the underlying skin from sun damage. Eczema is differentiated from psoriasis on the scalp because it usually covers the entire hairy scalp and is more easily seen than felt. Basal cell carcinoma may occur in the hairy scalp as a persistent area of crusting or hair loss. The hair cycle occurs randomly in each follicle over the scalp so that up to 100 hairs are being lost daily, but in normal circumstances, moulting does not occur. Hair in the wrong place or hair which is coarser or longer than is socially acceptable is regarded as excessive. There are two different patterns, hirsutism and hypertrichosis. Minoxidil can be helpful in boosting growth where there are still active follicles to improve volume but in many patients the hair loss is so advanced that a wig may be necessary.
