Lesson 1Family and genetic history: patterns of hair loss in first- and second-degree relatives and age of onsetThis part covers gathering family patterns of hair loss and scalp conditions. Learners will chart inheritance, starting age, and severity to aid diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia and genetic conditions in diverse Namibian populations.
Ask about hair loss in close family membersInclude extended family detailsNote age of start and family progressionSpot family scarring hair loss casesConsider ethnic and cultural differencesSketch a basic family hair loss treeLesson 2Styling and mechanical factors: heat tool use, drying practices, tight hairstyles, hair accessory use, and parting habitsThis part looks at mechanical and styling habits causing hair and scalp harm. Emphasis on traction, heat, rubbing, and product build-up, with questions measuring how often and how they are done in Namibian daily life.
Check blow-drying and hot tool frequencyNote heat levels and protection methodsInquire about tight braids and extensionsReview wigs, weaves, and hair additionsAssess combing, brushing, and untanglingIdentify helmets, hats, and rubbing sourcesLesson 3Symptom-specific questioning: onset, pattern, duration of shedding, pruritus, pain, scalp symptoms, and seasonal variationThis part targets symptom questions for hair and scalp issues. Learners will sharpen details on start, length, pattern, feelings, and triggers to separate common hair loss and scalp disease types prevalent in Namibia.
Detail start, speed, and symptom lengthDescribe shedding pattern and daily lossLocate hair loss areas and balanceEvaluate itching, pain, burning, sorenessAsk about flakes, spots, and crustsCheck seasonal or repeating changesLesson 4Psychosocial and stress assessment: recent life events, occupational stress, sleep, and mental health screening questionsThis part directs structured questions on stress, mood, and rest. Learners will link social stressors, worry, sadness, and bad sleep to hair shedding and unhelpful hair habits common in Namibian settings.
Look into recent big life changes and lossesGauge work and care-giving stressScreen for worry, sadness, and exhaustionInquire about sleep length and qualitySpot hair-related repetitive actionsTalk coping ways and support networksLesson 5Medication, supplement, and hormonal history: prescription drugs, OTCs, steroids, contraceptives, and recent changesThis part shows how to get an exact list of medicines, supplements, and hormones. Focus on change times, amounts, and known drug-caused hair loss or shedding triggers relevant to Namibian healthcare.
List all prescribed medicines fullyCheck over-the-counter and herbal itemsScreen for skin treatments, blood thinners, chemoAssess birth control and hormone treatmentsClarify recent amount or routine changesMatch drug times with hair shiftsLesson 6Lifestyle, nutrition, and substance use: diet patterns, protein and micronutrient intake, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and recent weight loss or dietingThis part investigates lifestyle, eating, and substance factors affecting hair. Learners will check nutritional balance, limited diets, weight shifts, and exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine in Namibian contexts.
Review usual daily and weekly eating habitsScreen for strict or trendy diet pastRecord recent weight drop and hunger changesCheck protein and small nutrient intakeAsk about alcohol, smoking, and e-cigarettesReview caffeine and energy drink useLesson 7Red flags and urgent symptoms: sudden hair loss, scarring signs, pustules, systemic symptoms, or rapid progression that require immediate referralThis part trains clinicians to spot warning symptoms needing quick action. Stress on fast loss, scarring, spots, body-wide illness, and when to speed up skin specialist or emergency referrals in Namibia.
Spot sudden widespread or spotty hair lossRecognise scarring and thinning signsScreen for sore, swollen, or pus-filled spotsConnect fever, weight loss, or night sweatsFlag fast worsening despite careSet rules for urgent expert referralLesson 8Structured medical history: systemic illnesses, recent infections, surgeries, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, and chronic conditionsThis part teaches building a short but full medical history. Focus on body-wide illnesses, hormone and immune diseases, infections, operations, and long-term conditions impacting hair growth in Namibian patients.
Screen for thyroid and other hormone issuesReview immune and joint tissue diseasesAsk about recent bugs and high feversRecord operations, numbing, and hospital timesAssess long-term liver, kidney, gut problemsReview ongoing pain, tiredness, other signsLesson 9Reproductive and endocrine history: menstrual pattern, pregnancies, menopausal symptoms, libido changes, and signs of androgen excessThis part outlines reproductive and hormone history for hair. Learners will link monthly cycles, pregnancies, change of life, desire shifts, and male hormone excess signs to common hormone hair losses in Namibia.
Clarify first period, cycle length, steadinessAsk about pregnancies, births, lossesReview after-birth hair shedding timesScreen for heat waves and change timingAssess extra hair, spots, male hormone signsDiscuss desire changes and intimacyLesson 10Haircare and chemical exposure history: frequency and type of coloring, bleaching, perming, relaxers, professional salon treatments, and at-home productsThis part details systematic checks of haircare routines and chemical contacts. Learners will connect colouring, straightening, lightening, and product use to breaks, weakness, scalp itch, and long-term damage in Namibian styles.
Record hair wash and conditioner frequencyAssess salon vs home chemical processesClarify colouring, lightening, tone historyReview straighteners, curls, protein treatmentsIdentify strong shampoos or cleanersNote leave-in, oil, styling product use
