Unit 5A.2: SCALP & HAIR Assessment | Skin, Hair, Nails, Head, Ears

1. Color

2. Distribution

3. Condition

What to inspect for in the Scalp and Hair?

Color

What should be inspected in the Scalp and Hair

• Asian: Black

• Determined by the amount of melanin present

Black

Example of normal finding for hair color

Condition

What should be inspected in the Scalp and Hair

• Check for cleanliness, dryness, oiliness, lesions, and parasites

Scalp is clean and dry with sparse dandruff visible. Hair is smooth and firm without lesions or lice infestations.

Example of normal finding for Condition

1. Alopecia

2. Patchy Hair Loss

3. Pediculosis Capitis/Lice

4. Tinea Capitis

5. Hirsutism

Abnormal Scalp and Hair Findings

Alopecia

Abnormal Scalp and Hair Finding

• No hair will grow

• Baldness which can be patchy or total

• Caused by infection, trauma, or chemotherapy

Patchy Hair Loss

Abnormal Scalp and Hair Finding

• May result from infections of the scalp, discoid, or systematic lupus erythematosus and some types of chemotherapy

Hirsutism

Abnormal Scalp and Hair Finding

• Facial hair on females

• Characteristic of Cushing’s Disease and results from an imbalance of adrenal hormones or may be a side effect of steroids

Pediculosis Capitis

Abnormal Scalp and Hair Finding

• Medical term for lice infestation in the hair and scalp

• Erythematous scalp

Tinea Capitis

Abnormal Scalp and Hair Finding

• Fungal infection

• Head & Scalp