Treatment Options for Alopecia

The 2015 document reviews treatment options for various forms of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA), alopecia areata (AA), and cicatricial alopecias. It highlights the effectiveness of oral finasteride and topical minoxidil for AGA, with finasteride preventing progression in 99% of patients and improving outcomes in 66% after two years. Treatments for AA are off-label, with topical immunotherapy being the best-documented, showing a 50% success rate. Emerging treatments like low-level light therapy (LLLT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are mentioned, but require more research. The document also discusses the use of oral isotretinoin for Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp (DCS) and the potential of TNF-α inhibitors. It emphasizes the need for further research, standardized treatment protocols, and managing patient expectations, noting that most randomized controlled trials support treatments for AGA. Janus kinase inhibitors for AA and topical finasteride and bimatoprost for AGA are among the promising drugs under clinical trials.