Finasteride-Mediated Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Atrophy in a Patient with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

    September 2015 in “ JAAD case reports ”
    Jeff C. Donovan
    Image of study
    TLDR Finasteride helps hair regrowth in frontal fibrosing alopecia.
    This case report describes a 51-year-old woman with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) who experienced hair regrowth and reversal of cutaneous atrophy with the use of finasteride. FFA is a form of cicatricial alopecia that predominantly affects perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Until recently, the treatment for FFA has mirrored the treatment algorithms used for other primary lymphocytic scarring alopecias. Topical steroids, steroid injections, hydroxychloroquine, doxycycline, tetracycline, and mycophenolate mofetil have been the main treatments. However, in the last few years, an increasing number of reports have suggested a beneficial role for the 5 alpha reductase inhibitory medications, finasteride and dutasteride. The study suggests that 5a-reductase inhibitors may be among the most effective treatments for FFA.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    9 / 9 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results
      Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      in Research  692 upvotes 4 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community 9 months on Fin - no progress , should I get on Dutasteride?

      in Chat  10 upvotes 1 month ago
      The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral for hair loss but hasn't seen regrowth, only maintenance. They are considering switching to dutasteride, which is believed to be more effective, but are concerned about potential side effects.

      community Diffuse thinning is so brutal.

      in Styling  72 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 25-year-old with AGA experienced hair thinning and dandruff, stabilized with topical finasteride and minoxidil but saw minimal regrowth. They seek advice on styling and consider oral minoxidil and microneedling for denser hair.

      community Testosterone and hair loss seeming irrelevance

      in Research/Science  81 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about the role of testosterone in hair loss and the effectiveness of different treatments. The conclusion is that DHT is the main culprit for hair loss, and finasteride has been proven to work long-term in maintaining and regrowing hair. Testosterone may have a minor effect, but it is not the primary cause of hair loss.

      community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

      in Chat  33 upvotes 2 years ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

    Related Research

    9 / 9 results