A retrospective review of the spectrum of scalp hair loss at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Dermatology Clinic

This retrospective review of 131 cases of scalp hair loss at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital found a prevalence of 3.9%, with the majority of cases occurring in females (61.1%) and predominantly affecting individuals aged 20-39 years. The most common type of hair loss was alopecia areata, while telogen effluvium was the least diagnosed. Hair loss was mostly patchy (82.4%) and symptomatic (67.2%). Gender differences were noted, with conditions like acne keloidalis nuchae and folliculitis decalvans occurring only in males, while discoid lupus, psoriasis, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, traction alopecia, and telogen effluvium were more common in females. The study highlights that hair loss is an uncommon clinical presentation, influenced by gender and age, with a tendency towards patchy and non-scarring patterns.