Towards a consensus on how to diagnose and quantify female pattern hair loss - The 'Female Pattern Hair Loss Severity Index (FPHL-SI)'

摘要

BackgroundFemale pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common non-scarring alopecia characterized by widening of the midline hair part at the crown (vertex). In 1977, Ludwig developed a scale that graded the degree of visible vertex hair thinning from I (least severe) to III (most severe). However, by the time patients exhibit the full manifestations of Ludwig I', they have already lost a significant volume of hair. Although current therapies may realistically halt progression of hair loss, improvements in hair density is often more limited. Identification and grading of FPHL at an earlier stage is desirable to institute appropriate therapy before significant hair loss has occurred and to enable monitoring over time.