Contact Dermatitis

A user has been experiencing hair loss for 4 years, with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and various supplements proving ineffective. They were diagnosed with fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, a condition that may require a combination of anti-inflammatory and hair growth treatments.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

Aminexil/Kopexil may help reduce hair loss by addressing perifollicular fibrosis in androgenetic alopecia, but it lacks the extensive clinical backing of finasteride and minoxidil. Some users find it effective, but availability and cost are issues, especially in the US where it's not FDA-approved.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.

Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.

A 25-year-old is experiencing chronic telogen effluvium (TE) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) after surgery, using finasteride, red light therapy, and supplements, and considering oral minoxidil despite heart concerns. They are unsure whether to start minoxidil before or after an upcoming surgery, which may trigger another hair shed.