Chronic Alopecia: A Case of Trichotillomania in a 27-Year-Old Woman

A 25-year-old is experiencing chronic telogen effluvium (TE) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) after surgery, using finasteride, red light therapy, and supplements, and considering oral minoxidil despite heart concerns. They are unsure whether to start minoxidil before or after an upcoming surgery, which may trigger another hair shed.

A dermatologist checked for hereditary hair loss using blood tests and plans to perform a trichogram. The user had slightly low Vitamin D3 levels, and the trichogram may help confirm androgenetic alopecia.

The user is using minoxidil and finasteride to treat hair loss and is concerned about shedding and potential aggressive hair loss. They noticed some regrowth in trichoscopy pictures but are unsure about real-life changes.

Hair loss treatments discussed include microneedling, minoxidil, tretinoin, finasteride, dutasteride, pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto, and scalp massage. The consensus is that finasteride or dutasteride is necessary for significant regrowth, while other methods may only slow hair loss.

A user noticed irregularities on their scalp using a digital microscope and suspects scarring alopecia, despite using minoxidil and finasteride. Other users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a possible cause and recommend treatments like ketoconazole shampoo, sulfur soap, selenium sulfide shampoo, and apple cider vinegar rinses.

A 20-year-old male experienced significant hair shedding for nearly 10 months, despite using finasteride, oral minoxidil, and ketoconazole, and is concerned about chronic telogen effluvium. He has been supplementing with vitamins and minerals but remains unsure of the cause.