ABA Scalp Disorders & Trichology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with round, smooth bald patches on the scalp with no inflammation. This condition is most likely:
- Tinea capitis
- Alopecia areata (Correct answer)
- Traction alopecia
- Androgenetic alopecia
Correct answer: Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes round, smooth, non-inflammatory bald patches on the scalp.
Question 2: Which layer of the hair shaft contains the pigment (melanin) that gives hair its color?
- Cuticle
- Medulla
- Cortex (Correct answer)
- Dermal papilla
Correct answer: Cortex
Melanin pigment is located in the cortex, the middle layer of the hair shaft.
Question 3: Pityriasis steatoides is a severe form of dandruff characterized by:
- Dry, white flakes that shed easily
- Greasy, yellow scales adhering to the scalp (Correct answer)
- Inflamed red patches with silver scales
- Round bald spots with broken hair stubs
Correct answer: Greasy, yellow scales adhering to the scalp
Pityriasis steatoides (waxy dandruff) is characterized by greasy, yellowish scales that stick to the scalp and hair.
Question 4: What is the medical term for split ends on the hair shaft?
- Trichoptilosis (Correct answer)
- Trichorrhexis nodosa
- Monilethrix
- Hypertrichosis
Correct answer: Trichoptilosis
Trichoptilosis is the technical term for split ends, where the hair shaft splits longitudinally.
Question 5: A scalp condition caused by a fungal infection and characterized by scaly, ring-shaped lesions is called:
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Tinea capitis (Correct answer)
- Folliculitis
Correct answer: Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is a fungal (ringworm) infection of the scalp producing ring-shaped, scaly lesions.
Question 6: The anagen phase of the hair growth cycle is best described as:
- The resting phase during which the follicle is inactive
- The transitional phase where growth slows
- The active growth phase where new hair is produced (Correct answer)
- The shedding phase where old hair falls out
Correct answer: The active growth phase where new hair is produced
Anagen is the active growth phase, lasting 2–7 years, during which the hair follicle actively produces new hair.
Question 7: Which sebaceous gland secretion helps condition the scalp and hair naturally?
- Sweat
- Sebum (Correct answer)
- Keratin
- Melanin
Correct answer: Sebum
Sebum is the oily secretion of sebaceous glands that lubricates and conditions the scalp and hair shaft.
ABA Scalp Disorders & Trichology 2
A client presents with round, smooth bald patches on the scalp with no inflammation.
This condition is most likely: