Alopecia and Microbiome: Future Therapeutic Target?

The document reviews the potential link between the microbiome and alopecia, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA). It suggests that dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, on the scalp may contribute to hair loss and that manipulating the microbiome could be a novel treatment approach. A study involving patients with Hamilton-Norwood stage III alopecia treated with 1% Lindera strychnifolia extract showed a significant reduction in Cutibacterium acnes, an increase in Staphylococcus epidermidis, and a 7% increase in hair count after 84 days. The review underscores the complexity of the skin microbiome's role in alopecia and the need for further research to explore microbiome-targeted therapies. It also considers the potential integration of microbiome considerations in conventional treatments and the exploration of fecal transplants as a treatment option, though more studies are required to evaluate their efficacy and safety.