Ultraviolet-Induced Red Fluorescence in Androgenetic Alopecia Indicating Alterations in Microbial Composition

The study examined 36 patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and found that red fluorescence on their scalps under UV light is linked to changes in microbial composition. Fluorescent areas had more Actinobacteriota and Cutibacterium, with metabolic pathways related to heme biosynthesis, while non-fluorescent areas had pathways related to amino acid biosynthesis. The red fluorescence, likely due to porphyrins from bacteria like Cutibacterium spp., may indicate scalp inflammation and affect hair growth in AGA. Further research is needed to understand the specific microbial metabolites involved and their impact on scalp health.