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

    September 2015 in “ JAAD case reports ”
    Jeff C. Donovan
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    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.
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      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      in Research  830 upvotes 1 year 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 year 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 M18 - 7 Months on topical fin + min Not working for me

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  92 upvotes 8 months ago
      Topical finasteride and minoxidil are not effective for the user, who is considering switching to oral treatments like finasteride or dutasteride. Many suggest oral medications are more effective, and some recommend additional treatments like microneedling and other topical solutions.

      community Diffuse thinning is so brutal.

      in Styling  70 upvotes 2 years 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  82 upvotes 2 years 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.

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