Psychocutaneous disorders of hair and scalp

Abstract

• Many patients with a hair or scalp disorder have psychological issues associated with their chief complaint. • To handle these cases of imaginary hair loss, abnormal scalp sensations, or self-induced injury to the hair or scalp effectively, the dermatologist must be capable of classifying and diagnosing psychocutaneous disorders. • There are two ways to classify psychocutaneous cases: first, by the category of the dermatologic presentation; and, second, by the nature of the underlying psychopathologic condition. • If the dermatologist considers treating these patients with psychopharmacologic agents, the selection of appropriate agents is dictated by the nature of the underlying psychopathologies. • Finally, the best way to alleviate the emotional distress caused by a hair disorder is to effectively treat it. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.