Diseases of the Hair

Diseases of the hair may be divided into those of Augmented and Diminished Formation, Abnormal Direction, and Alteration in Physical Aspect.

Augmented growth may be congenital, of varying extent, from small localized growths, such as little hairy moles, to the extensive tracts covering more or less of the body, as in the "hairy man" described by Mr. Crawford. Stimulation has a tendency to augment the growth of hair, if the formative power is normal. During convalescence a freakish, reactionary growth, in odd and unusual places, sometimes takes place.

Diminished formation of hair is partial or general, comparative (thinning) or absolute (alopecia). It may be congenital, accidental, or normal (senile).