Attitudes and Practices of Dermatologists and Primary Care Physicians Who Treat Patients for Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Survey

In a survey from 2009 involving 466 physicians, including 263 dermatologists and 203 primary care physicians (PCPs), attitudes and practices towards treating male pattern hair loss (MPHL) were assessed. Dermatologists and frequent treaters of MPHL were more comfortable discussing and recommending treatments, and aimed primarily to prevent further hair loss. They were also more likely to provide educational materials, answer questions, and monitor treatment progress. In contrast, about one-third of physicians were not as comfortable with MPHL patient care. The survey revealed that dermatologists prescribed treatments more frequently than PCPs, with 15 versus 4 prescriptions per month, respectively. No significant differences were noted in the importance of patient characteristics when prescribing medication. The study suggested that less experienced physicians could improve care by adopting the practices of their more experienced colleagues. However, the study had limitations, including potential non-representativeness and self-reported data accuracy, and was funded by Merck & Co. Inc., with the author receiving a consulting fee from Merck.