|
The
Ebling - Rook ethnic pattern baldness classification systems
The Hamilton and Norwood male pattern baldness classification systems
are comprehensive and involve several stages. However, the distinction
between the different patterns is not always clear - particularly
for patients who may not be familiar with classification systems.
Some European dermatology clinics use a simpler five stage classification
system developed by Rook and Ebling. This system is rarely used
in medical research as it is not detailed enough, but the five stage
classification is useful for explaining hair loss to patients. This
simplified classification is 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
and Norwood "catch-all" classifications.
The Mediterranean or Latin development of pattern baldness
involves recession of the frontal hairline and the development of
vertex baldness. These two regions of hair loss expand and coalesce
into the extensive type V pattern.
The Semitic (Jewish, Arabian) presentation
of pattern alopecia involves progressive recession of the frontal
hairline but there is no associated thinning on the vertex according
to Ebling.
The Nordic presentation with a central lock
of surviving hair was noted by Norwood in the development of his
classification system. Ebling suggested the five stage system for
Nordic races as shown below.
Are
men with pattern alopecia physically more masculine references
- Norwood
OT. Male pattern baldness: classification and incidence. South
Med J. 1975 Nov;68(11):1359-65.
- Hamilton
JB. Patterned loss of hair in man: types and incidence. Ana N
Y Acad Dermatol 1951:53;708-28
- Camacho F, Montagna W. Trichology. Diseases
of the pilosebaceous follicle. S. Karger Publishers Inc. Farmington,
USA. 1998. ISBN: 3-8055-6672-7
- Norwood OT. Hair Transplant Surgery. Charles
C Thomas Publishers, Springfield IL, USA, 1973. ISBN 0-398-02892-3
|
