Finasteride-Mediated Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Atrophy in a Patient with 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.