Assessment of hair and scalp disorders.

The diagnosis and management of hair and scalp disorders in the clinic or office presents a unique challenge for the physician. In addition to identifying and treating the underlying cause of the disorder, the physician also needs to take into account the impact of these disorders on the patient's self-esteem and quality of life. The first stage in determining the correct treatment strategy is to evaluate the underlying cause of the condition; and to that end, there are a number of invasive and non-invasive methods available to the office physician. These methods range from traditional biopsy and microscopic techniques to new optical methods such as videodermoscopy. Once the type and cause of the condition have been identified, the next stage is to determine the most appropriate holistic treatment strategy. In addition to any prescribed medical treatment, the use of cosmetic hair care products can often play an important role in improving the patient's quality of life. These products (particularly conditioners and styling aids) have been shown to provide the patient with improvements in hair feel, appearance, behavior, and protection against damage. Many of these cosmetic benefits can be measured directly on the hair fiber, using a variety of techniques.