Publication: Androgenetic alopecia: An evidence-based treatment update
Issued Date
2014-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
11791888
11750561
11750561
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2-s2.0-84904288077
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Vol.15, No.3 (2014), 217-230
Suggested Citation
Supenya Varothai, Wilma F. Bergfeld Androgenetic alopecia: An evidence-based treatment update. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Vol.15, No.3 (2014), 217-230. doi:10.1007/s40257-014-0077-5 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/34680
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Title
Androgenetic alopecia: An evidence-based treatment update
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Abstract
Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common chronic problems seen by dermatologists worldwide. It is characterized by progressive hair loss, especially of scalp hair, and has distinctive patterns of loss in women versus men, but in both genders the central scalp is most severely affected. It often begins around puberty and is known to effect self-esteem and the individual's quality of life. In contrast to the high prevalence of AGA, approved therapeutic options are limited. In addition to the scarce pharmacologic treatments, there are numerous nonprescription products claimed to be effective in restoring hair in androgenetic alopecia. Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to review published medical and non-medical treatments for male and female AGA using the American College of Physicians evidence assessment methods. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, open studies, case reports and relevant studies of the treatment of male and female AGA. The relevant articles were classified according to grade and level of evidence. Results: The medical treatments with the best level of evidence classification for efficacy and safety for male AGA are oral finasteride and topical minoxidil solution. For female AGA, topical minoxidil solution appears to be the most effective and safe treatment. The medical treatments corresponding to the next level of evidence quality are some commonly used therapeutic non-FDA-approved options including oral and topical anti-hormonal treatments. Surgical treatment of follicular unit hair transplantation is an option in cases that have failed medical treatment although there is high variation in outcomes. Limitations: Some articles, especially those concerning traditional herbs claimed to promote hair regrowth, were published in non-English, local journals. Conclusions: An assessment of the evidence quality of current publications indicates that oral finasteride (for men only) and topical minoxidil (for men and women) are the best treatments of AGA. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.