Expert Consensus on the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in India

The expert consensus on the management of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in India, published in 2019, provided guidelines tailored to the Indian population, emphasizing early diagnosis and a combination of treatments for effective management. Key recommendations included the use of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride as first-line treatments, with procedural options like platelet-rich plasma therapy and low-level laser therapy as adjuncts. The consensus highlighted the need for patient education and regular follow-ups to monitor progress and manage expectations. The guidelines aimed to standardize treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes in the Indian context. The panel of 120 hair experts discussed the psychological impact of AGA, its genetic basis, and treatment options, noting that minoxidil was the mainstay treatment for male AGA, while finasteride required careful patient counseling due to potential side effects. Nutritional supplements were considered beneficial in cases of high hair loss or malnutrition, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy was recommended only as an adjunct. Hair transplantation was discussed, with Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) being the gold standard, though the choice between FUT and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) depended on individual patient needs. Proper counseling was deemed crucial for patients undergoing hair transplantation.