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.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.
Oral minoxidil may cause dry skin and dark eye bags but doesn't significantly age the skin. Topical minoxidil is toxic to cats, and some users prefer finasteride.
The conversation discusses using a low dose of topical finasteride to achieve hair benefits with minimal systemic exposure. Users share experiences and opinions on dosing, systemic buildup, and side effects of both topical and oral finasteride.
Accepting baldness and the various ways people try to cope with it, such as shaving, using medications like minoxidil and finasteride, or getting a hair transplant. Participants discussed how true acceptance of hair loss involves confronting difficult emotions such as grief for one's former appearance and identity, as opposed to simply superficially hiding it with a shaved head.