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 combined with finasteride can improve hair density, but long-term safety is uncertain due to potential side effects like heart and kidney issues. Users report mixed experiences, with some experiencing side effects and others finding it effective for hair maintenance.
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.