ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA AND HAIR LOSS
Hair loss is the increased loss/ shedding of an abnormally increasing number of scalp hair, often followed by thinning of hair, to a varying extent.
Causes
Androgenetic A lopecia is attributable to genetic predisposition and the function of androgens in hair follicles.
Other common causes are:
- Inflammatory diseases
- Vitamin deficiency
- Hormonal causes
- Psychological reasons
- Seasonal factors
Epidemiology
Androgenetic Alopecia: affects mainly males any time after adolescence. Females may be affected later (after their 60s)
Hair loss: affects both males and females regardless of age, being more common in females.
Symptoms
Hair loss and receding of hairline that begins at the forehead and spreads to the crown and back area of the skull. The parietal and occipital regions usually remain intact. Hair thinning is commonly preceding for a period of time before the final hair loss and the development of baldness.
Treatment
Hair loss should be classified and treated according to its cause. There are numerous cases when hair loss is caused by several health conditions. The Dermatologist will determine the underlying cause of hair loss and suggest appropriate treatment plans.
Androgenetic alopecia can be treated with:
- Medication- anti-inflammatory formulations in the case of inflammatory diseases, finasteride, minoxidil, or anti-androgens (must not be prescribed to males).
- Nutritional supplements, regarding the patient’s particular deficiency.
- Invasively, with hair transplantation (FUE method).
- Injectional mesotherapy techniques to strengthen hair follicles, or even stimulate those atrophied.
- Topically, with formulations applied on the scalp and shampoos for everyday use.