Fractional radiofrequency microneedling is as effective and safe as intralesional steroids for treating patchy alopecia areata, with fewer side effects.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) was found to improve hair parameters in men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia, showing increased terminal hair count and decreased vellus hair count, with good tolerability. NAC, used alone or with minoxidil, may help due to its antioxidant properties, though its effectiveness can vary among individuals.
Finasteride and dutasteride can show initial hair count increases within 12 weeks, but visible improvements often take longer, with many users reporting noticeable changes after a year or more. While early results may be seen under a microscope, significant cosmetic improvements typically require more time for hair to thicken and become visibly denser.
Dutasteride may not effectively stop scalp hair loss and can cause thinning of facial and body hair, including eyebrows. Users suggest considering other causes like autoimmune conditions or vitamin deficiencies and exploring treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.
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.
A 23-year-old has been using finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone to combat hair loss and hormonal acne, with mixed results and concerns about side effects. The user is experimenting with spironolactone despite its potential risks, hoping for skin and body hair improvements.