Impact of Fitzpatrick Skin Type on Narrowband UVB Therapy Outcomes in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Analysis

A 43-year-old male with advanced hair loss is experimenting with alternative treatments, including red light therapy, microneedling, scalp massages, an oil mix, and ketoconazole shampoo, after previously experiencing side effects from finasteride and minoxidil. He noticed some minor changes with red light therapy but remains skeptical about significant improvement.

A user observed orange fluorescence on their nose and hair under a black light, indicating Cutibacterium acnes, which may contribute to hair loss alongside androgenic alopecia. A suggestion was made to use coal tar shampoo to address the issue.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.

The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, a dermastamp, and red light therapy for six months with no visible improvement since the three-month mark. Other users noted improvement, particularly in the left temple area, and encouraged the user to continue.

The user has been using minoxidil for over a year with little success, added tretinoin cream, and is considering adding red light therapy. They are advised to use moisturizer to counteract skin sensitivity from tretinoin.

Tazarotene may outperform tretinoin for hairline treatment with minoxidil, but lacks evidence. Tretinoin is recommended for the scalp, while tazarotene can be used on the face.