HEAD TO TOE 2: Scalp and Hair Assessment

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Scalp and Hair Assessment

This is the evaluation of the scalp and hair for texture, distribution, cleanliness, lesions, or abnormalities

1. Inspect the scalp and hair for general color and condition

2. At 1-inch intervals, separate the hair from the scalp and inspect and palpate the hair and scalp for cleanliness, dryness, or oiliness, parasites, and lesions

3. Inspect amount and distribution of scalp, body, axillae, and pubic hair. Look for unusual growth elsewhere on the body

3 Procedures of Scalp and Hair Assessment

Inspect the scalp and hair for general color and condition

One of the procedures of Scalp and Hair Assessment

• Observe the scalp and hair for overall color, uniformity, and any signs of dryness, oiliness, dandruff, lesions, or abnormalities

At 1-inch intervals, separate the hair from the scalp and inspect and palpate the hair and scalp for cleanliness, dryness, or oiliness, parasites, and lesions

One of the procedures of Scalp and Hair Assessment

• Parts hair in sections to check for cleanliness, moisture, parasites, and scalp lesions

Inspect amount and distribution of scalp, body, axillae, and pubic hair. Look for unusual growth elsewhere on the body

One of the procedures of Scalp and Hair Assessment

• Assess hair quantity and distribution on the scalp, body, axillae, and pubic areas, noting any abnormal growth patterns

Natural (black)

Normal Findings sample documentation for color of the hair

Even

Normal Findings sample documentation for distribution of the hair

Scalp is clean & dry c̄ sparse dandruff visible, hair is smooth & firm s̄ lesion or lice infestations

Normal Findings sample documentation for condition of the hair

(1) Nutritional Deficiencies

(2) gray

(3) copper red

Abnormal Findings for color and condition for scalp and hair

• (1) ___ ___ may cause patchy (2) ___ hair in some clients

• African American children may cause a (3) ___ ___ hair color

• Alopecia

• Systemic Lupus Erythematous

• Pediculosis Capitis (kuto)

• Tinea Capitis

• Folliculitis

• Hirsutism

Abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

Alopecia

One of the abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

• The partial or complete loss of hair on the scalp or body due to various causes, including genetics, medical conditions, or external factors

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

One of the abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

• Patchy hair loss may result from infections of the scalp, discoid or ___ ___ ___, and some types of chemotherapy

Pediculosis capitis

One of the abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

• This is an infestation of the scalp and hair by head lice, causing itching, irritation, and possible secondary infections

Tinea Capitis

One of the abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

• A fungal infection of the scalp and hair, caused by dermatophytes, leading to scaly patches, hair loss, and itching

Folliculitis

One of the abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

• An inflammation of the hair follicles, often caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. It appears as pustules surrounded by erythema

Hirsutism

One of the abnormal findings for scalp and hair assessment

• Facial hair on females

• A characteristic of Cushing’s disease and results from an imbalance of adrenal hormones or it may be a side effect of steroids

Terminal Hair

A type of hair amount & distribution in the scalp

• Covers the scalp, axillary, body, and pubic areas according to normal gender distribution.

Fine Vellus Hair

A type of hair amount & distribution in the scalp

• Covers the entire body except for the soles, palms, lips, and nipples.

terminal hair growth

A type of hair amount & distribution

• Older women may develop ___ on the chin due to hormonal changes.

True

True or False:

Normal male pattern balding is symmetric

False (common in men)

True or False:

Alopecia is common in toddlers