Diseases of the Scalp
James E. Rasmussen MD1
1 Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
The scalp is far more important than its small surface area would suggest. It is usually the first part the infant presents to the world and is responsible for much cosmetic concern throughout life. In the general scheme of organization, regional dermatology is an easy way to categorize many diseases. This article will review several regional dermatoses that affect the scalp more commonly than other sites. There will be no attempt to discuss all diseases that may occur on the scalp, particularly those that have more important or characteristic manifestations at other body sites.
Diseases of the scalp can be conveniently grouped into those that are congenital, those that are acquired, and those that are associated with normal or abnormal amounts of hair loss (Table 1). The reader will rapidly appreciate that it is difficult to separate some diseases of the scalp from primary hair disorders, particularly when the mouth of the follicle or the hair root is the primary target.
It is also useful to organize scalp diseases in a roughly chronologic sequence from birth through maturity and senescence (Table 2). Diseases that commonly occur prior to puberty are frequently not seen after that time; they are replaced by a variety of problems related to hormonal changes.
