Management of Hair Loss

April 2005 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Elizabeth K. Ross, Jerry Shapiro

male pattern hair loss female pattern hair loss telogen effluvium alopecia areata 5% minoxidil oral finasteride 2% minoxidil antiandrogens corticosteroids topical immunotherapy minoxidil foam MPHL FPHL AA Rogaine Propecia

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Studysummary This article reviews treatment options for male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata, but provides no new clinical results; algorithmic management approaches are included.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

46 / 46 results

research Intralesional Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Triamcinolone Acetonide by Jet Injector

100 citations , July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections using a needleless injector led to rapid hair regrowth in patients with limited alopecia areata, while lasting growth was rare in alopecia totalis.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the historical developments in understanding and treating male pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitors, but reports no new clinical findings.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this 48-week trial, 5% topical minoxidil was more effective than both 2% minoxidil and placebo in promoting hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, with notable improvements in nonvellus hair count and hair growth assessments.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without hair loss, suggesting a potential link between these types of alopecia and decreased iron stores.

research Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations , October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

These guidelines for alopecia areata management, prepared by the British Association of Dermatologists, provide evidence-based treatment recommendations and insights into the condition's epidemiology, diagnosis, and investigation.

research Finasteride Treatment May Not Prevent Telogen Effluvium After Minoxidil Withdrawal

14 citations , September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This abstract provides no new data or findings as it is a placeholder text rather than a research summary.

Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

research Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

66 citations , July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that betamethasone valerate foam was more effective and well-tolerated than betamethasone dipropionate lotion in treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata, with higher hair regrowth rates observed.

research Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Under Occlusion in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis/Universalis

146 citations , July 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was found to induce hair regrowth in 28.5% of patients with severe alopecia areata under occlusive conditions, though long-term benefit was limited to 17.8%.

research Safety of Topical Minoxidil Solution: A One-Year, Prospective, Observational Study

26 citations , July 2003 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This study found that topical minoxidil solution is a safe treatment for androgenetic alopecia, with no increase in cardiovascular events or adverse pregnancy outcomes observed.

research PUVA Treatment of Alopecia Areata Totalis and Universalis: A Retrospective Study

39 citations , April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology”

This study found that PUVA treatment resulted in complete hair regrowth in over half of patients with alopecia areata totalis or universalis, despite a higher treatment failure rate in those with a family history of the condition.

research Hypertrichosis in Females Applying Minoxidil Topical Solution and in Normal Controls

63 citations , April 2003 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that minoxidil topical solution was associated with a dose-related occurrence of hypertrichosis, especially facial hair, in women treated for androgenetic alopecia.

research Progestogens With Antiandrogenic Properties

164 citations , January 2003 in “Drugs”

research Treatment of Hyperandrogenic Alopecia in Women

108 citations , January 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that flutamide at 250 mg daily modestly improved hair thinning in premenopausal women with hyperandrogenic alopecia over one year, while cyproterone acetate and finasteride were not effective.

research Hair Loss in Women with Hyperandrogenism: Four Cases Responding to Finasteride

92 citations , October 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reports that oral finasteride improved or stabilized hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism but not in postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss.

research The Potential Role of Minoxidil in the Hair Transplantation Setting

31 citations , October 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This article reviews expert opinions on combining pharmacologic treatments like minoxidil with hair transplantation, reporting improved hair density and regrowth in patients with partially functioning follicles.

research Finasteride for Female Androgenetic Alopecia

51 citations , October 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Finasteride increases hair density in female androgenetic alopecia, but individual results may vary.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

research Comparative Efficacy of Various Treatment Regimens for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

80 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that combining oral finasteride with topical minoxidil resulted in the greatest improvement in hair growth for male patients with androgenetic alopecia, compared to using any single treatment.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperandrogenic Disorders

89 citations , March 2001 in “Endocrine practice”

This article provides diagnosis and treatment guidelines for hyperandrogenic disorders in women but reports no new clinical results; it offers a summary of accepted scientific information and suggestions for clinical practice.

research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

72 citations , January 2001 in “Drugs”

This review discusses current and emerging drug therapies for treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, and reports no clinical results; it highlights a need for improved and novel treatments.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations , November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, finasteride 1 mg/day for 12 months did not improve hair growth or slow hair thinning in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.

Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

115 citations , November 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, men using 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions experienced a significant increase in hair weight for 96 weeks compared to placebo, with effects diminishing after treatment cessation.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Frontal Male Pattern Hair Loss

187 citations , June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reported that finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased hair growth and slowed hair loss in men with frontal scalp hair thinning over one year, and these benefits continued or improved in the second year.

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

132 citations , November 1998 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of topical sensitizers in treating alopecia areata but reports no new clinical findings.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.

research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia

92 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

This study found that 2% ketoconazole shampoo improved hair density and anagen follicle proportion in androgenic alopecia similarly to minoxidil treatment, suggesting a potential role for Malassezia in inflammation.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations , December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The authors concluded that chronic telogen effluvium in middle-aged women presents distinct clinical and histological features that differ from androgenetic alopecia and acute telogen effluvium.

research PUVA Treatment of Alopecia Areata Partialis, Totalis, and Universalis: Audit of 10 Years' Experience at St John's Institute of Dermatology

105 citations , December 1995 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This retrospective study concluded that PUVA treatment is generally ineffective for alopecia areata, with low effective success rates for partialis, totalis, and universalis types.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that a 2% topical minoxidil solution significantly increased hair regrowth compared to placebo in women with androgenetic alopecia over 32 weeks.

research Systemic Steroids With or Without 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations , November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology”

In this study, tapering prednisone followed by 2% topical minoxidil helped limit hair loss in some patients with alopecia areata, with 30% to 47% showing over 25% hair regrowth initially.

research Hair Growth Effects of Oral Administration of Finasteride, a Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque

40 citations , February 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Taking finasteride pills and using minoxidil lotion together can help grow hair.

research Treatment-Resistant Alopecia Areata: Combination Therapy with Minoxidil and Anthralin

46 citations , June 1990 in “Archives of dermatology”

In this study, combination therapy with 5% minoxidil and 0.5% anthralin showed some cosmetic improvement in 11% of patients with severe treatment-resistant alopecia areata, with hair regrowth starting by week 12.

research Extensive Alopecia Areata: Results of Treatment with 3% Topical Minoxidil

36 citations , March 1989 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata.

research Evaluation of Anthralin in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

109 citations , November 1987 in “Archives of dermatology”

In this study, 0.5%-1.0% anthralin cream led to a cosmetic response in 25% of patients with severe alopecia areata, despite common side effects like pruritus and erythema.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata

104 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.

research Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata, Including 3-Year Follow-Up

34 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

In this study, topical minoxidil was found to be an effective, safe, and easy treatment for individuals with alopecia areata affecting 25–99% of the scalp, but less effective for total scalp hair loss.

research Topical Tretinoin for Hair Growth Promotion

73 citations , October 1986 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a combination of topical tretinoin and 0.5% minoxidil resulted in terminal hair regrowth in 66% of subjects with androgenetic alopecia over one year.

research Topical Minoxidil Dose-Response Effect in Alopecia Areata

54 citations , February 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil solution led to greater hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata patients compared to 1% minoxidil, although most regrowth was not cosmetically acceptable.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

18 citations , March 1984 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia, but more research needed.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , October 1983 in “BMJ”

This study found that 1% topical minoxidil induced significant hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, though it was less effective for those with extensive hair loss such as alopecia totalis and universalis.

research Cutaneous Corticosteroid Injection and Amaurosis

34 citations , November 1974 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This report discusses historical cases of visual side effects from scalp corticosteroid injections for alopecia areata and attributes their rarity now to improved injection techniques and smaller particulate sizes in suspensions.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Steroid Solution

30 citations , December 1972 in “Archives of dermatology”

This report examines efforts to enhance the efficacy of topical steroids for alopecia areata using penetration-enhancing vehicles and exceptionally high concentrations, noting systemic steroids often lead to relapses and toxicity.

research A Comparison of Intralesional Triamcinolone Hexacetonide and Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

75 citations , September 1971 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that both intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and triamcinolone hexacetonide promote continuous hair growth in alopecia areata, with effects lasting at least 9 months after a single injection.

research Local Injection of Steroids and Hair Regrowth in Alopecias

57 citations , December 1960 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This introduction reviews historical use of steroids for alopecia treatment, mentioning early cases of hair regrowth with cortisone acetate but provides no new clinical data.