The Hair in Childhood and Old Age
July 2002
in “
Journal of applied cosmetology
”
hypertrichosis hirsutism androgenetic alopecia 5α reductase inhibitors gene therapy hair follicle stem cells cyclosporine adrenal causes ovarian causes cardiovascular disease hair growth disorders congenital syndromes cosmetic issues psychosocial issues pediatric evaluation health risks zinc levels neural tube defects second-generation treatments
TLDR Hair growth issues can be linked to genetics, diseases, or medications, and new treatments are being developed.
The document discussed various aspects of hair growth and disorders, highlighting that over 20 syndromes, mostly congenital, included hypertrichosis, which could be linked to diseases and medications like cyclosporine. It noted that while primary hypertrichosis was usually benign, it could cause cosmetic and psychosocial issues, necessitating pediatric evaluation. Hirsutism in women required careful assessment due to potential adrenal or ovarian causes and its association with health risks like cardiovascular disease. The study also explored the relationship between hair zinc levels and neural tube defects in newborns. Advances in understanding androgenetic alopecia led to the development of second-generation 5α reductase inhibitors and potential gene therapy. Research into hair follicle stem cells was expected to offer new treatment possibilities.