Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

May 1999 in “ Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Antonella Tosti, Francisco Camacho-Martínez, Rodney P.R. Dawber

androgenetic alopecia finasteride minoxidil antiandrogens hair systems hair surgery hyperandrogenism topical minoxidil oral finasteride 2% topical minoxidil 5% topical minoxidil irritant contact dermatitis allergic contact dermatitis localized hypertrichosis diffuse hypertrichosis AGA Propecia Rogaine

TLDR Treat hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, or surgery; consider side effects and severity.

The 1999 document discusses the diagnosis and management of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Diagnosis can be confirmed through medical history and physical examination, and management guidelines are provided for optimal treatment. Treatment options include oral finasteride or topical minoxidil for men, and oral antiandrogens and/or topical minoxidil for women with signs of hyperandrogenism. Hair systems and surgery may be considered for severe cases in both men and women. The document emphasizes the need for updated management guidelines for AGA and highlights the efficacy of 2% topical minoxidil in both men and women. The severity of AGA and presence of intermediate hairs are important factors in determining the effectiveness of minoxidil. The 5% topical minoxidil has a greater and faster effect, but it may cause side effects such as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and localized or diffuse hypertrichosis.

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