Overview
Introduction
Alopecia means hair loss, but the pattern matters more than the amount at the first assessment.
Alopecia means hair loss, but the pattern matters more than the amount at the first assessment. Smooth patches with preserved follicular openings suggest a non-scarring process such as alopecia areata, while shiny skin, loss of follicular openings, or a progressive crown-centered pattern raises concern for permanent follicle destruction. Diffuse shedding also has timing clues: chemotherapy can cause rapid anagen effluvium, whereas telogen effluvium usually appears about three months after an illness, surgery, childbirth, severe stress, or medication change. The LVN/LPN collects focused findings, implements the ordered plan, reinforces teaching, monitors response and adverse effects, documents clearly, and reports changes to the supervising RN or provider.