systemic disease

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • endocrine - not always responsive to endocrine replacement:
    • hypothyroidism - slow growing, coarse, wire-like hair; alopecia may also be a presenting feature in hyperthyroidism
    • hypoparathyroidism - often, total loss of scalp, eyebrow and secondary sexual hair

  • syphilis:
    • diffuse, "moth eaten" pattern
    • positive serology
    • often responsive to antibiotics

  • SLE:
    • hair loss is temporary
    • usually responds to successful systemic therapy