Online Traffic Analysis of Direct-to-Consumer Websites for Hair Loss Treatment and Characterization of Finasteride Patients on a Platform in Germany: A Potential Paradigm Shift in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

Direct-to-consumer teledermatology is growing fast but raises concerns about quality of care and doctor-patient relationships.

Hair loss lowers quality of life, causing embarrassment, frustration, and sexual rejection.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has been found effective in promoting hair growth for alopecia patients, with minimal side effects like temporary pain and redness.

Finasteride effectively stops hair loss in most patients, but concerns about rare sexual side effects exist.

Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.

Taking 1 mg of finasteride daily can increase hair count and improve hair appearance, but it may have side effects on sexual function and a potential risk of prostate cancer. It may not be effective for postmenopausal women unless taken in higher doses.

Men with hair loss experience lower quality of life, worsened by factors like age, severity, and treatment history.

Most men with hair loss worry, try self-treatments, and delay doctor visits due to cost, uncertainty, and embarrassment.