Traction alopecia: history of tight hairstyles and marginal hairline
Trichotillomania: history of pulling hair or evidence of traumatic folliclesPull Test
This test is performed to estimate the severity of hair loss and refine the differential diagnosis. A clinician grabs sections of hair and observes for active hair loss. A positive pull test is usually caused by telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, and alopecia areata.Tug Test
A doctor holds the top and bottom of a strand of hair and observes for a break in the middle which may be caused by a hair shaft abnormality.Card Test
A part in the hair is created and a small card is placed to contrast the color of the hair and visualize thin strands of hair (seen in telogen effluvium) vs short broken strands (seen in hair shaft abnormalities).Fungal Culture
Scalp is scraped and the specimen is incubated for fungal growth commonly seen in tinea capitis.Scalp biopsy
If the diagnosis of hair loss is unclear or not responsive to the treatment, a scalp biopsy may be required. Scalp biopsy will show evidence of inflammation, location, and change in the follicles. This will frequently refine the diagnosis.Blood Tests
In the case of suspected iron deficiency, thyroid disease, or androgen excess a blood test may be necessary to rule in these causes.Trichoscopy
A new technique which allows for magnified visualization of the hair and scalp, providing a high definition, detailed look at follicles. Treatment
Steroids
Steroids may be used for the short-term treatment of autoimmune causes of hair loss such as alopecia areata.
Pneumatosis intestinalis (also called intestinal pneumatosis, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, pneumatosis coli, or intramural bowel gas) is pneumatosis of an intestine, that is, gas cysts in the bowel wall. As a radiological sign it is highly suggestive for necrotizing enterocolitis. This is in contrast to gas in the intestinal lumen (which is relieved by flatulence). In newborns, pneumatosis intestinalis is considered diagnostic for necrotizing enterocolitis, and the gas is produced by bacteria in the bowel wall. The pathogenesis of pneumatosis intestinalis is poorly understood and is likely multifactorial. PI itself is not a disease, but rather a clinical sign. In some cases, PI is an incidental finding, whereas in others, it portends a life-threatening intra-abdominal condition. Additional images
References


== External links ==