Chapter 20: Pathogenesis and Treatment of Alopecias

January 1989 in “ Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry ”

Robert C. Gadwood, Virginia C. Fiedler

alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia corticosteroids contact allergens irritants PUVA therapy immunostimulants immunosuppressants minoxidil antiandrogens 5α-reductase inhibitor hair follicle miniaturization telogen phase follicles Rogaine PUVA

TLDR Hair loss from alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia can be treated, but more effective and safer treatments are needed.

The 1989 document reviews the causes and treatments of alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Alopecia areata, which can lead to unpredictable hair loss, is linked to immune system disturbances and can be treated with corticosteroids, contact allergens, irritants, PUVA therapy, immunostimulants, immunosuppressants, and sometimes minoxidil. Androgenetic alopecia, affecting both sexes, is influenced by genetic factors and characterized by hair follicle miniaturization and increased telogen phase follicles. Treatments include antiandrogens for females and a 5α-reductase inhibitor tested in monkeys, with topical minoxidil showing moderate or dense regrowth in 39% of over 2,300 subjects in a study. The document emphasizes the need for more effective and safe hair growth treatments and a better understanding of their mechanisms.

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