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Why
is it important to classify the extent of pattern baldness
Why use classification systems at all? Because they help enormously
in sceintific research. Before Dr James Hamilton's calssification
system, there was no commonly agreed method to explain the extent
of hair loss on a person in a sicentific study. Without a common
standard dermatologists would described the extent of alopecia in
general terms such as "massive" or "little".
This created a considerable problem as studies perfomred by different
dermatologists could not be consistently compared to each other.
With everyone using the same classification system in their studies,
the results from different research papers could be directly compared
to each other.
A classification system seems an obvious and simple thing to do,
but it was not until 1951 that Hamilton published the first pattern
baldness classification system and it took several more years before
the classification was widely adopted by dermatologists. Today there
are several classification systems in use. The original from Hamilton
is still used occasionally, but most frequently the classification
modified by Norwood from Hamilton's original observations is used.
Simpler, five stage, classification systems developed by Rook and
Ebling are not popular and are rarely used in medical research although
they are used to some extent in European dermatology clinics to
explain hair loss to patients. The simplified classifications of
hair loss are easier to comprehend. In addition, Ebling developed
several classifications for particular ethnic groups and these may
be more relevant to some patients than the Hamilton-Norwood "catch-all"
classifications.
There are three classification systems for pattern baldness in
women. Ludwig developed a three stage classification representing
only diffuse hair loss. This is most frequently used in hair loss
research and treatment analysis. Savin of the USA developed an eight
stage classification of diffuse female alopecia. However, the less
popular Ebling classification system of five patterns, including
both diffuse loss and more extensive male type loss, is probably
a more accurate representation of female hair loss.
Why
is it important to classify the extent of pattern baldness references
- Hamilton
JB. Patterned loss of hair in man: types and incidence. Ana N
Y Acad Dermatol 1951:53;708-28.
- Norwood
OT. Male pattern baldness: classification and incidence. South
Med J. 1975 Nov;68(11):1359-65.
- Ludwig
E. Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common
baldness) occurring in the female sex. Br J Dermatol. 1977 Sep;97(3):247-54.
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