There are many causes of hair disorders and it is important to distinguish normal physiological processes from abnormal pathology. It is therefore useful to understand the normal changes associated with the hair follicle cycle, as well as adopting a systematic approach to a patient's presentation. Like many other conditions in dermatology, hair problems can be extremely distressing for the patient and are not always easy to remedy. This article aims to provide an overview of the common causes of hair loss and hair excess and their management in primary care.
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