BH11 Desperate for Answers: The Need for Information at the Onset of Hair Loss

    June 2025 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”
    Thomas Harries, Matthew Harries, Caroline White, Ahmed F. Hawwa
    TLDR People with hair loss feel distressed and need better, trustworthy information sources.
    The study surveyed 85 patients with alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, and frontal fibrosing alopecia to understand their information-seeking behavior at the onset of hair loss. It found that 85% of participants experienced distress, shock, or fear upon noticing hair loss. The internet was the most used source of information, with 73% finding it helpful, though many felt overwhelmed by the volume of information. Hairdressers were the second most consulted source, with mixed reviews on the helpfulness of their advice. Social media and Alopecia UK were less utilized but rated as helpful by 70% and 73% of users, respectively. The study highlights the emotional impact of hair loss and suggests that improving the information provided by hairdressers and increasing awareness of trustworthy resources like Alopecia UK could better support patients.
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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

      by nkrata 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 How essential is scalp biopsy when dealing with hair loss?

      in Treatment  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user experienced hair loss despite using Fin and Min for 12 years and switched to Dutasteride, RU58841, and Keto scalp serum, but shedding and itch persist. They are considering increasing Dutasteride to 2.5mg and questioning the necessity of a scalp biopsy, with mixed opinions on its usefulness.

      community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

      in Chat  33 upvotes 3 years ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

      community So we’re just ok with taking a research chemical now?

      in Treatment  178 upvotes 5 years ago
      The conversation discusses the use of RU58841, a non-FDA approved research chemical for hair loss, with mixed opinions on its safety and effectiveness. Some users are willing to try it as a last resort after other treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride failed, while others express concerns about potential long-term side effects and lack of official research.

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