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Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia

Definition: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common types of hair loss and is characterized by the androgen-dependent reduction of terminal hairs into thin vellus hairs (1). 

Etiology:  AGA is a hereditary disorder for which there is no known cure and is mainly influenced by androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (1). 

Epidemiology: AGA affects both men and women with different balding patterns (1,3). The prevalence differs with men being more commonly affected (3).

Signs: In women’s hair the frontal hairline is usually retained with diffuse thinning throughout the crown (2). In males, the thinning starts at the vertex and temples leading to receding in a characteristic “M” shape (2)

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic but can have psychological impacts due to the impact on the patient’s appearance. 

Differentials: Alopecia Areata, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Hereditary hypotrichosis complex, Telogen effluvium, Triangular Alopecia, Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (1).

Diagnosis: Advanced AGA is a clinical diagnosis, however in early AGA scalp dermoscopy, pull tests, hair and scalp examinations and biopsies may be used (3). Dermoscopy will show miniaturized hair follicles. (3)

Treatment: There are only two drugs available, topical Minoxidil (men and women), a pyrimidine derivative and oral finasteride, a SRD5A2 inhibitor (for men only) (1,3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7

2.     Androgenetic alopecia: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#resources

3.      Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International. 2023;13:150-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia

Definition: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common types of hair loss and is characterized by the androgen-dependent reduction of terminal hairs into thin vellus hairs (1). 

Etiology:  AGA is a hereditary disorder for which there is no known cure and is mainly influenced by androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (1). 

Epidemiology: AGA affects both men and women with different balding patterns (1,3). The prevalence differs with men being more commonly affected (3).

Signs: In women’s hair the frontal hairline is usually retained with diffuse thinning throughout the crown (2). In males, the thinning starts at the vertex and temples leading to receding in a characteristic “M” shape (2)

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic but can have psychological impacts due to the impact on the patient’s appearance. 

Differentials: Alopecia Areata, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Hereditary hypotrichosis complex, Telogen effluvium, Triangular Alopecia, Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (1).

Diagnosis: Advanced AGA is a clinical diagnosis, however in early AGA scalp dermoscopy, pull tests, hair and scalp examinations and biopsies may be used (3). Dermoscopy will show miniaturized hair follicles. (3)

Treatment: There are only two drugs available, topical Minoxidil (men and women), a pyrimidine derivative and oral finasteride, a SRD5A2 inhibitor (for men only) (1,3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7

2.     Androgenetic alopecia: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#resources

3.      Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International. 2023;13:150-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia

Definition: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common types of hair loss and is characterized by the androgen-dependent reduction of terminal hairs into thin vellus hairs (1). 

Etiology:  AGA is a hereditary disorder for which there is no known cure and is mainly influenced by androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (1). 

Epidemiology: AGA affects both men and women with different balding patterns (1,3). The prevalence differs with men being more commonly affected (3).

Signs: In women’s hair the frontal hairline is usually retained with diffuse thinning throughout the crown (2). In males, the thinning starts at the vertex and temples leading to receding in a characteristic “M” shape (2)

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic but can have psychological impacts due to the impact on the patient’s appearance. 

Differentials: Alopecia Areata, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Hereditary hypotrichosis complex, Telogen effluvium, Triangular Alopecia, Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (1).

Diagnosis: Advanced AGA is a clinical diagnosis, however in early AGA scalp dermoscopy, pull tests, hair and scalp examinations and biopsies may be used (3). Dermoscopy will show miniaturized hair follicles. (3)

Treatment: There are only two drugs available, topical Minoxidil (men and women), a pyrimidine derivative and oral finasteride, a SRD5A2 inhibitor (for men only) (1,3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7

2.     Androgenetic alopecia: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#resources

3.      Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International. 2023;13:150-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia

Definition: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common types of hair loss and is characterized by the androgen-dependent reduction of terminal hairs into thin vellus hairs (1). 

Etiology:  AGA is a hereditary disorder for which there is no known cure and is mainly influenced by androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (1). 

Epidemiology: AGA affects both men and women with different balding patterns (1,3). The prevalence differs with men being more commonly affected (3).

Signs: In women’s hair the frontal hairline is usually retained with diffuse thinning throughout the crown (2). In males, the thinning starts at the vertex and temples leading to receding in a characteristic “M” shape (2)

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic but can have psychological impacts due to the impact on the patient’s appearance. 

Differentials: Alopecia Areata, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Hereditary hypotrichosis complex, Telogen effluvium, Triangular Alopecia, Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (1).

Diagnosis: Advanced AGA is a clinical diagnosis, however in early AGA scalp dermoscopy, pull tests, hair and scalp examinations and biopsies may be used (3). Dermoscopy will show miniaturized hair follicles. (3)

Treatment: There are only two drugs available, topical Minoxidil (men and women), a pyrimidine derivative and oral finasteride, a SRD5A2 inhibitor (for men only) (1,3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7

2.     Androgenetic alopecia: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#resources

3.      Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International. 2023;13:150-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia

Definition: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common types of hair loss and is characterized by the androgen-dependent reduction of terminal hairs into thin vellus hairs (1). 

Etiology:  AGA is a hereditary disorder for which there is no known cure and is mainly influenced by androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (1). 

Epidemiology: AGA affects both men and women with different balding patterns (1,3). The prevalence differs with men being more commonly affected (3).

Signs: In women’s hair the frontal hairline is usually retained with diffuse thinning throughout the crown (2). In males, the thinning starts at the vertex and temples leading to receding in a characteristic “M” shape (2)

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic but can have psychological impacts due to the impact on the patient’s appearance. 

Differentials: Alopecia Areata, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Hereditary hypotrichosis complex, Telogen effluvium, Triangular Alopecia, Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (1).

Diagnosis: Advanced AGA is a clinical diagnosis, however in early AGA scalp dermoscopy, pull tests, hair and scalp examinations and biopsies may be used (3). Dermoscopy will show miniaturized hair follicles. (3)

Treatment: There are only two drugs available, topical Minoxidil (men and women), a pyrimidine derivative and oral finasteride, a SRD5A2 inhibitor (for men only) (1,3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7

2.     Androgenetic alopecia: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#resources

3.      Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International. 2023;13:150-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

Definition: A common autoimmune condition that is marked by abrupt, non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body go (1)

Etiology: Many etiologies have been proposed but it is believed that the condition is caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, environmental factors, genetic predisposition and stress may also play a role (1,2).

Epidemiology: Alopecia Areat (AA) affects 0.1-0.2% of the overall population with no gender predilection. (1,2).

Signs: AA is characterized by well-demarcated oval or round patches of hair loss, the lesions may be solitary or multiple with 90% of cases affecting the scalp (2).

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic however some patients may experience nail changes, tingling or burning sensation, irritated eyes if loss of hair in eyelashes or eyebrows (3).

Differentials: Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania,Tinea capitis, Early scarring Alopecia, Anagen effluvium, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Secondary syphilis and androgenic Alopecia (1,2). 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis is clinical with a thorough history and routine investigations such as complete hemogram, anemia panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, etc (2). Dermoscopic histological examination is a great tool in diagnosing AA and in more uncertain cases a biopsy may also be performed (1).

Treatment: In a majority of cases the condition is self-limited and regrowth typically will happen within a year (1). In patients where AA is persistent corticosteroids can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth follow by minoxidil to maintain the growth (3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7 

  1. Amin SS, Sachdeva S. Alopecia areata: A Review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;17(2):37-45. doi:10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.05.004 
  2. Ludmann P. Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatment. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

Definition: A common autoimmune condition that is marked by abrupt, non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body go (1)

Etiology: Many etiologies have been proposed but it is believed that the condition is caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, environmental factors, genetic predisposition and stress may also play a role (1,2).

Epidemiology: Alopecia Areat (AA) affects 0.1-0.2% of the overall population with no gender predilection. (1,2).

Signs: AA is characterized by well-demarcated oval or round patches of hair loss, the lesions may be solitary or multiple with 90% of cases affecting the scalp (2).

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic however some patients may experience nail changes, tingling or burning sensation, irritated eyes if loss of hair in eyelashes or eyebrows (3).

Differentials: Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania,Tinea capitis, Early scarring Alopecia, Anagen effluvium, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Secondary syphilis and androgenic Alopecia (1,2). 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis is clinical with a thorough history and routine investigations such as complete hemogram, anemia panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, etc (2). Dermoscopic histological examination is a great tool in diagnosing AA and in more uncertain cases a biopsy may also be performed (1).

Treatment: In a majority of cases the condition is self-limited and regrowth typically will happen within a year (1). In patients where AA is persistent corticosteroids can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth follow by minoxidil to maintain the growth (3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7 

  1. Amin SS, Sachdeva S. Alopecia areata: A Review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;17(2):37-45. doi:10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.05.004 
  2. Ludmann P. Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatment. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

Definition: A common autoimmune condition that is marked by abrupt, non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body go (1)

Etiology: Many etiologies have been proposed but it is believed that the condition is caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, environmental factors, genetic predisposition and stress may also play a role (1,2).

Epidemiology: Alopecia Areat (AA) affects 0.1-0.2% of the overall population with no gender predilection. (1,2).

Signs: AA is characterized by well-demarcated oval or round patches of hair loss, the lesions may be solitary or multiple with 90% of cases affecting the scalp (2).

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic however some patients may experience nail changes, tingling or burning sensation, irritated eyes if loss of hair in eyelashes or eyebrows (3).

Differentials: Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania,Tinea capitis, Early scarring Alopecia, Anagen effluvium, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Secondary syphilis and androgenic Alopecia (1,2). 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis is clinical with a thorough history and routine investigations such as complete hemogram, anemia panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, etc (2). Dermoscopic histological examination is a great tool in diagnosing AA and in more uncertain cases a biopsy may also be performed (1).

Treatment: In a majority of cases the condition is self-limited and regrowth typically will happen within a year (1). In patients where AA is persistent corticosteroids can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth follow by minoxidil to maintain the growth (3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7 

  1. Amin SS, Sachdeva S. Alopecia areata: A Review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;17(2):37-45. doi:10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.05.004 
  2. Ludmann P. Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatment. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

Definition: A common autoimmune condition that is marked by abrupt, non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body go (1)

Etiology: Many etiologies have been proposed but it is believed that the condition is caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, environmental factors, genetic predisposition and stress may also play a role (1,2).

Epidemiology: Alopecia Areat (AA) affects 0.1-0.2% of the overall population with no gender predilection. (1,2).

Signs: AA is characterized by well-demarcated oval or round patches of hair loss, the lesions may be solitary or multiple with 90% of cases affecting the scalp (2).

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic however some patients may experience nail changes, tingling or burning sensation, irritated eyes if loss of hair in eyelashes or eyebrows (3).

Differentials: Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania,Tinea capitis, Early scarring Alopecia, Anagen effluvium, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Secondary syphilis and androgenic Alopecia (1,2). 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis is clinical with a thorough history and routine investigations such as complete hemogram, anemia panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, etc (2). Dermoscopic histological examination is a great tool in diagnosing AA and in more uncertain cases a biopsy may also be performed (1).

Treatment: In a majority of cases the condition is self-limited and regrowth typically will happen within a year (1). In patients where AA is persistent corticosteroids can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth follow by minoxidil to maintain the growth (3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7 

  1. Amin SS, Sachdeva S. Alopecia areata: A Review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;17(2):37-45. doi:10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.05.004 
  2. Ludmann P. Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatment. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

Definition: A common autoimmune condition that is marked by abrupt, non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body go (1)

Etiology: Many etiologies have been proposed but it is believed that the condition is caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, environmental factors, genetic predisposition and stress may also play a role (1,2).

Epidemiology: Alopecia Areat (AA) affects 0.1-0.2% of the overall population with no gender predilection. (1,2).

Signs: AA is characterized by well-demarcated oval or round patches of hair loss, the lesions may be solitary or multiple with 90% of cases affecting the scalp (2).

Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic however some patients may experience nail changes, tingling or burning sensation, irritated eyes if loss of hair in eyelashes or eyebrows (3).

Differentials: Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania,Tinea capitis, Early scarring Alopecia, Anagen effluvium, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Secondary syphilis and androgenic Alopecia (1,2). 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis is clinical with a thorough history and routine investigations such as complete hemogram, anemia panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, etc (2). Dermoscopic histological examination is a great tool in diagnosing AA and in more uncertain cases a biopsy may also be performed (1).

Treatment: In a majority of cases the condition is self-limited and regrowth typically will happen within a year (1). In patients where AA is persistent corticosteroids can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth follow by minoxidil to maintain the growth (3).

References: (AMA)

1.     Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7 

  1. Amin SS, Sachdeva S. Alopecia areata: A Review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;17(2):37-45. doi:10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.05.004 
  2. Ludmann P. Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatment.