Hair loss: red flags, psychological causes, traction alopecia in Black women, and effective treatments

Hair loss can be distressing for patients, and many over-the-counter remedies are expensive and ineffective. In this episode, the MIMS Learning team consider red flags for hair loss, possible causes, and which treatments are effective. Types of alopecia that are more common in Black women are discussed, including how you can offer sensitive advice on hair-styling practices. 

Educational objectives

After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be more aware of:

• Red flags to look out for in a patient presenting with hair loss
• Possible causes of hair loss, including psychological problems, medications and hormonal factors
• Hairstyles that are implicated in traction alopecia and how to offer appropriate advice to patients
• How to spot a kerion, and how to treat
• When is it reasonable to refer and what the management options are for hair loss conditions

You can access the website version of this podcast on MIMS Learning to make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.

Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.

Useful links

Resources from MIMS Learning

Hair loss - red flag symptoms

Traction alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

Self-harm in children and young people

Resource from British Association of Dermatologists

Patient information leaflet - Tinea capitis (May 2023)

News story from MIMS

Alopecia drug to be available on the NHS

MIMS Learning

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