Scalp Microbiome Alterations in Androgenetic Alopecia: Patterns and Emerging Mechanistic Insights

    March 2026 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”
    Aditya K. Gupta, Elizabeth M. Teasell, Amanda Liddy, Vasiliki Economopoulos
    Studysummary In this study, researchers observed that patients with androgenetic alopecia show differences in scalp microbial communities compared to the general population, including an increase in Cutibacterium acnes, particularly in males, which may interact with lipid and immune pathways to contribute to hair follicle miniaturization.
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    Research cited in this study 25

    1. Multidimensional Research on Hair Loss in Young Chinese Females With Oily Scalps Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2025
    2. Comparative Analysis of Bacteriome in Hair Follicle Layers of Patients with Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia Microorganisms · 2025
    3. The Effects of Caffeine and Adenosine on the Microbiome and Lipidome of the Scalp International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2025
    4. Role of Topical Ketoconazole in Therapeutic Hair Care Beyond Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff JEADV Clinical Practice · 2025
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    11. Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota Biomolecules · 2023
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    22. Minoxidil Downregulates Interleukin-1 Alpha Gene Expression in HaCaT Cells International Journal of Trichology · 2018
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    25. Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible IL-6 Inhibits Elongation of Human Hair Shafts by Suppressing Matrix Cell Proliferation and Promotes Regression of Hair Follicles in Mice Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2011