Hair Disorders Update: Alopecia to Hirsutism

The document from 2000 discusses advancements in the treatment of hair disorders, particularly alopecia and hirsutism. For alopecia, two new treatments were highlighted: finasteride, an oral medication that has been shown to slow hair loss progression and increase hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, and minoxidil 5%, a topical solution approved for men. Both treatments had limited side effects, with finasteride causing decreased libido in 1.9% of men compared to 1.3% on placebo. Laser technology was also improving hair transplantation outcomes. For alopecia areata, new therapies included sensitization with agents like squaric acid and high-pulse doses of corticosteroids. Aromatherapy showed potential in a study with 86 patients. In treating hirsutism, finasteride showed promise in reducing symptoms with few side effects, and a new topical agent, Vaniga (Eflornithine HCl), was approved for unwanted facial hair in women. Laser-assisted hair removal technologies were advancing, offering long-term reduction in unwanted hair. The document anticipates future treatments to focus on hormonal modulation of hair loss in women and improved laser hair removal for all skin types.