Recent Developments in Alopecias

In the 1978 review, Dr. Dennis Allen Weigand reported limited advancements in the understanding and treatment of hair loss. The review indicated that while there was some progress in androgenetic alopecia research, particularly regarding follicular androgen metabolism, other forms of alopecia such as alopecia areata and congenital alopecias had seen little significant treatment progress. Studies suggested that bald scalps metabolize testosterone more rapidly than non-bald scalps, but no excess specific metabolite was identified. Potential treatments targeting androgen metabolism were discussed, including 5α-reductase inhibitors. Diffuse alopecia in women was not strongly linked to oral contraceptive use but may relate to sex hormone levels. Telogen effluvium was recognized as a potential early indicator of systemic diseases. Drug-induced alopecia and nutritional deficiencies were acknowledged as causes of hair loss, with the latter affecting hair characteristics and potentially improving with dietary supplementation. Mechanical alopecia and hair damage from chlorine exposure were also addressed. Alopecia areata was associated with thyroid disease, vitiligo, and other endocrine diseases, particularly in women, but the relationship was statistical and did not strongly support the autoimmune disease hypothesis. Treatment options for alopecia areata were limited, with systemic corticosteroids not significantly affecting the disease outcome. The review concluded that much remained to be learned about the causes and treatments of different types of hair loss.