Better Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Alopecia

In the referenced study, Sergio Vano-Galvan et al. reported that oral minoxidil improves background hair thickness in patients with lichen planopilaris. The study highlights the importance of addressing all causes of alopecia for effective management, as many patients may have more than one type of hair loss condition. It is noted that pattern alopecia affects nearly 50% of adults of European descent and that treating both scarring and pattern alopecia can lead to better outcomes. The document also mentions that topical minoxidil has been used for years to treat pattern alopecia, and recent studies support the effectiveness and tolerability of low dose oral minoxidil for various types of alopecia, including alopecia areata and scarring alopecia. The author, Dirk M. Elston, MD, suggests that a comprehensive treatment approach, including addressing reversible causes such as diet and thyroid disease, can improve treatment outcomes for alopecia patients. The document emphasizes the need for dermatologists to apply their diagnostic skills to hair disorders and to not shy away from treating alopecia more effectively.