Changes in the Structural Elements of the Sebaceous Hair Follicle in the Differential Diagnosis of Non-Scar Alopecia

December 2025 in “ Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases ”

S. V. Klyuchareva

sebaceous hair follicle non-scar alopecia alopecia areata hair sac outer root sheath inner root sheath reticular dermis sebaceous gland subcutaneous fat

TLDR Thinner hair follicle structures are linked to non-scar alopecia.

This study investigated the structural changes in the sebaceous hair follicle in 191 patients with non-scar alopecia compared to 20 control subjects. It found that the hair sac and the outer and inner root sheaths are thinner in patients with non-scar alopecia, particularly in those with alopecia areata. The most significant thinning occurs at the transition from the reticular dermis to the sebaceous gland, with structural thinning beginning at the subcutaneous fat level in alopecia cases. These findings suggest that changes in the structural elements of the sebaceous hair follicle are associated with different types of non-scar alopecia, providing insights into their pathogenesis.

View this study on rjsvd.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 92 results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

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 18->24 six years of Fin and Minox…. I guess we can’t all be winners 😭

in Progress Pictures 572 upvotes 3 years ago

A user named "EgyptStar81" who has been dealing with hair loss since age 15 due to genetics, chemotherapy and finasteride/minoxidil treatment. Possible solutions such as dutasteride, oral minoxidil, hair transplants and extensions were suggested.

community Holy shit. Verteporfin may actually be the cure

in Research/Science 1017 upvotes 2 years ago

The post and conversation discuss Verteporfin's potential as a hair loss treatment. It's shown promise in regrowing hair after transplants and might be effective with microneedling.

community What Works to Restore Hairloss for Cis-Males? Not Much

in Treatment 16 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair regrowth treatments for cis-males include Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841. Estrogen and testosterone blockers can help restore hair loss but may not suit everyone.

community Damn, the trash hormone DHT was losing so hard it pulled the "old social media post" card

in Chat 194 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about hair loss treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, tretinoin, stemoxydine, adenosine, castor oil, baicalin, and bimatoprost. The user shares their nightly and morning routines and discusses the role of DHT in hair loss.

community GT20029 China Phase II Trial For AGA Reached Primary Endpoint

in Research/Science 136 upvotes 1 year ago

The GT20029 tincture, a topical androgen receptor degrader, showed significant hair growth and good safety in a China Phase II trial for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with the 1% dose twice weekly identified as optimal. The company plans to initiate Phase III trials in China and Phase II in the U.S., and the treatment also shows promise for acne.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Evaluation of Hair Loss

21 citations , May 1996 in “Current problems in dermatology”

Detailed patient history and physical exams are crucial for diagnosing hair loss.

research Histopathologic Evaluation of Alopecias

90 citations , June 2006 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

The document concludes that accurate diagnosis of different types of hair loss requires careful examination of hair and scalp tissue, considering both clinical and microscopic features.

EEMCO Guidance for the Assessment of Hair Shedding and Alopecia