TLDR New treatments for alopecia are being explored due to the limitations of current options.
The review discussed alopecia as an autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 4.5 million people in the United States, where T-lymphocytes attack hair follicles, causing inflammation and hair loss. Traditional treatments like finasteride and minoxidil have been limited due to severe side effects. The article provided a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria of alopecia, with a particular focus on exploring novel treatment strategies.
148 citations,
December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
38 citations,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Finasteride effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.
92 citations,
October 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride improves hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism.
10 citations,
June 2001 in “PubMed” Finasteride is effective in growing hair and stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate alopecia.
581 citations,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.