What criteria should I use to refer a patient with androgenetic alopecia to a specialist?

Criteria for referring a patient with androgenetic alopecia to a specialist:

• Referral is generally considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or if there are atypical features suggesting an alternative diagnosis.
• Patients with rapid hair loss, scarring alopecia, or associated systemic symptoms should be referred for specialist assessment.
• Referral may also be appropriate if initial treatments in primary care fail or if the patient requires advanced therapeutic options or specialist advice.
• Psychological distress or significant impact on quality of life due to hair loss can also justify referral to specialist care.

Note: The provided UK guidelines do not explicitly detail referral criteria for androgenetic alopecia; however, standard clinical practice aligns with these principles based on the nature of hair loss conditions and the need for specialist input in complex or atypical cases.