Destruction of hair follicle cells leads to which effect?

Destruction of hair follicle cells leads to which effect?

• A. Alopecia
• B. Hyperpigmentation
• C. Hypertrichosis
• D. Scalp burns

Answer: (A)

Destruction of hair follicle cells interrupts the unit that actually produces hair. The follicle houses the cells that form and push out the hair shaft, so when these cells are damaged, hair can no longer grow in that area, resulting in hair loss—alopecia. Hyperpigmentation involves pigment changes in the skin, not hair production. Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth, the opposite effect. Scalp burns describe tissue injury from heat or chemicals, not the ongoing loss of hair due to follicle destruction.

Destruction of hair follicle cells interrupts the unit that actually produces hair. The follicle houses the cells that form and push out the hair shaft, so when these cells are damaged, hair can no longer grow in that area, resulting in hair loss—alopecia. Hyperpigmentation involves pigment changes in the skin, not hair production. Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth, the opposite effect. Scalp burns describe tissue injury from heat or chemicals, not the ongoing loss of hair due to follicle destruction.