Health assessment on examination of hair

1. HEALTH ASSESSMENT
EXAMINATION OF HAIR
PREPARED BY:
USHA RANI KANDULA,
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
DEPARTMENT OF ADULT HEALTH NURSING,
ARSI UNIVERSITY, ASELLA, ETHIOPIA,
EAST AFRICA.

2. EXAMINATION OF HAIR
When assessing the hair,
inspect and palpate for
Color,
Texture, and distribution,
As well as the condition of the scalp.

3. The hair should be clean and free of debris.
A client who does not properly groom her hair may
need help with other self-care tasks.

4. COLOR OF THE HAIR
There is a wide range of naturally occurring hair
color.
Age-related graying of the hair varies among
individuals according to their genetic background.

5. -White hair accompanied by very pale skin is seen
in a condition known as
albinism, or lack of pigment.

6. TEXTURE
-Normal hair texture varies from fine to coarse
(thick hair).
-

7. Hair that is exceptionally dry and coarse
hair may be a sign of hypothyroidism;
very fine, silky hair may indicate
hyperthyroidism.

8. DISTRIBUTION
Generally the hair is evenly distributed on the scalp,
and fine body hair is present over the body.
Men often have more hair on the face, chest, and
back.

9. Alterations in hair distribution may be signs of
disease.
Alopecia (hair loss) along the temples and in the
center of the scalp is considered a normal balding
pattern in men.

10. Alopecia can be caused by
Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer,
By nutritional deficiencies,
 By endocrine disorders.

11. Thinning hair can also occur in the peri menopausal
period when hormone levels are fluctuating.
Hirsutism (excess facial or trunk hair) may be due to
endocrine disorders or steroid use.

12. SCALP EXAMINATION
Scalp normally the scalp is
 Smooth,
Firm,
 Symmetrical,
Nontender, and
Without lesions.

13. Common deviations include
an asymmetrical or bumpy scalp due to trauma or
lesions,

14.  Scaly flakes or patches due to fungal infection (e.G.,
Dandruff),
Dermatitis, or psoriasis.
Tenderness may indicate a localized infection or
trauma.

15. PEDICULOSIS
The hair should be free of debris and pediculosis
(head lice infestation).
Head lice are tiny, very mobile, and difficult to see.

16. -You may find it easier to see the eggs, or nits, that
are deposited on the hair shaft close to the scalp.

17. THANKING YOU