The Transverse Anatomy of Androgenic Alopecia

    Leonard C. Sperling, George B. Winton
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    TLDR The study found that horizontal sections of scalp biopsies are better for analyzing hair loss, showing fewer hairs and more fine hairs in balding areas.
    In the 1990 study, Leonard C. Sperling, M.D., and George B. Winton, M.D., analyzed 25 biopsy specimens from the balding frontal scalp of five male patients with androgenic alopecia. They found that transverse frozen sectioning with toluidine blue staining was a rapid and reliable method for studying the condition, revealing decreased hair density (about 111 hairs per cm²), an increased number of vellus hairs, and altered follicular architecture. The study demonstrated the limitations of vertical sectioning, which underrepresented the number of vellus hairs, and noted a mild inflammatory infiltrate at the level of the isthmus and infundibulum. The findings suggest that the number of follicles, best determined by transverse sections, may influence the prognosis of scalp disorders and the effectiveness of treatments like Minoxidil. Additionally, the telogen germ unit, visible in transverse section, could be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma, indicating the diagnostic value of transverse sections in dermatology clinics, especially those with a Mohs unit.
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      in Microneedling  3 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The conversation is about a hair care routine focused on microneedling and using DHI Hair Serum for temple hairline regrowth, without using minoxidil or finasteride. The user seeks advice on the best derma pen in India and feedback on their routine.

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      in Chat  7 upvotes 1 year ago
      Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness for those not responding to minoxidil alone, but it could reduce efficacy for some who are already responding to minoxidil. Tretinoin requires careful use, including skin moisturizing and sun protection due to increased sensitivity.

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      in Chat  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      A user experienced androgenic alopecia starting at the vertex without frontal hairline recession and is seeking information on this pattern. Another user noted that vertex or diffuse hair loss is common among men.

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