nmdp logo

Screening scalp and body hair for chronic GVHD

Evaluation

Patient-reported symptoms and signs

  • Premature gray or thinning hair
  • Itchy scalp
  • Hair loss

Clinical examination

Visual inspection of scalp hair/body hair for changes in hair distribution, consistency and color

Diagnostic testing

None

Clinical manifestation

Clinical manifestation
Description

New onset of scarring or non-scarring scalp alopecia*

After initial recovery following chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Loss of body hair*

N/A

Scaling*

An eruption composed of papules and scales

Thinning scalp hair**

Typically patchy, coarse or dull (not explained by endocrine or other causes)

Premature gray hair**


* Distinctive but insufficient alone to establish an unequivocal diagnosis of chronic GVHD without further testing or additional organ involvement.

** Rare, controversial, or non-specific features of chronic GVHD.

*** Common in both acute and chronic GVHD.

Photo Atlas

This photo atlas contains pictorial representations of various clinical manifestations of chronic GVHD.

  • Patchy alopecia

    Alopecia

    Patchy alopecia is shown. May also include loss of body hair (after initial recovery of hair growth following chemotherapy or radiotherapy).