Alopecia

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.