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Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Mar 2021Pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. Scalp hair is typically affected in a characteristic distribution without other scalp or... (Review)
Review
Pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. Scalp hair is typically affected in a characteristic distribution without other scalp or dermatologic findings. Early recognition and treatment can help halt its progression to preserve as much hair as possible. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments have proven helpful.
Topics: Alopecia; Female; Hair; Humans; Male; Scalp
PubMed: 33648970
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.88a.20014 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Aug 2023Trichoscopy is currently regarded as an essential part of the hair loss consultation. It allows visualization of morphologic structures that are not obvious to the naked... (Review)
Review
Trichoscopy is currently regarded as an essential part of the hair loss consultation. It allows visualization of morphologic structures that are not obvious to the naked eye, including peri- and interfollicular skin surface abnormalities and changes to hair shaft thickness and shape. In this paper, we aim to discuss current knowledge on trichoscopy of the most common forms of scarring and nonscarring alopecias.
Topics: Humans; Cicatrix; Alopecia; Hair; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 37591567
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.033 -
Dermatologic Therapy Nov 2020Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is an androgen-dependent hereditary trait resulting in hair miniaturization. It is the most common type of alopecia in men and women. During... (Review)
Review
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is an androgen-dependent hereditary trait resulting in hair miniaturization. It is the most common type of alopecia in men and women. During the last years, multiple treatment modalities have been studied, but only topical minoxidil and finasteride have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling (MN) is a minimally invasive technique that induces collagen formation, as well as growth factors production and neovascularization. Even though not many studies of MN in alopecia have been performed, it remains a favorable treatment modality; however, no standardized protocol for MN in hair loss has been proposed yet. Current evidence is not sufficient to allow a direct comparison with other therapies, but it shows promises to increase hair density, thickness, and quality of hair, especially when combined with other treatments or when used as a drug delivery system. This article aims to summarize the available literature regarding the use of MN alone or associated with other therapies for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Topics: Alopecia; Finasteride; Hair; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Minoxidil
PubMed: 32882083
DOI: 10.1111/dth.14267 -
Dermatologic Therapy Jul 2020Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of baldness affecting both men and women. Studies investigating combination therapies for AGA reported greater... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of baldness affecting both men and women. Studies investigating combination therapies for AGA reported greater efficacy than monotherapy but without rigorous examination. The authors performed a meta-analysis and systemic review to further verify the evidence. To evaluate the effectiveness of three common combination therapies of minoxidil with finasteride, low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) or microneedling versus minoxidil monotherapy. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of combination therapies consisting of topical minoxidil for AGA through April 2020. Quality assessment and data analysis were performed by Review Manager 5.3. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria involving a total of 1172 AGA patients. We conducted meta-analysis for three groups of combined treatment separately, and all were superior to monotherapy in terms of global photographic assessment (P < .05). Combination of LLLT or microneedling with minoxidil also showed significant increase in hair count (P < .05) compared to monotherapy. The present study suggests that combination therapy could be an effective, safe and promising option for the treatment of AGA. However, more RCTs are needed to further investigate and confirm the efficacy of combined treatment.
Topics: Alopecia; Female; Finasteride; Hair; Humans; Male; Minoxidil; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32478968
DOI: 10.1111/dth.13741 -
The Journal of Dermatology Jan 2022Trichoscopy represents a non-invasive diagnostic modality widely used in daily practice. Despite the common perception that this technique has been fairly established,... (Review)
Review
Trichoscopy represents a non-invasive diagnostic modality widely used in daily practice. Despite the common perception that this technique has been fairly established, some key issues remain to be addressed. Complexity and inconsistency in terminology in past literature are likely to confuse investigators when they are recording, reporting, and retrieving the findings. In addition, a diagnostic algorithm adopting sufficiently integrated and updated findings is not readily available. By adopting a systematic review approach, this review attempted to redefine major trichoscopic findings and integrate their synonyms individually into the most frequently used terms besides identifying and discussing terms which potentially cause confusion. The findings are categorized into five subgroups: hair shaft, follicular, perifollicular, scalp findings, and hair distribution pattern abnormalities. The calculation of sensitivities and positive predictive values of such redefined findings was conducted by reviewing the descriptions in the past literature on major hair diseases, including alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia/female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, discoid lupus erythematosus, folliculitis decalvans, tinea capitis, and dissecting cellulitis, to confirm the diagnostically meaningful findings for representative diseases. This attempt redefined, for instance, yellow dots, short vellus hairs, exclamation mark hairs, black dots, and broken hairs as the findings of diagnostic significance for alopecia areata and hair diameter diversity, peripilar sign, and focal atrichia for androgenetic alopecia/female pattern hair loss. An updated diagnostic flowchart is proposed with the instructions to maximize its usefulness. Current limitations and future perspectives of trichoscopy as well as other emerging non-invasive diagnostic modalities for hair diseases are also discussed.
Topics: Alopecia; Alopecia Areata; Dermoscopy; Female; Hair; Hair Diseases; Humans; Software Design
PubMed: 34806223
DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16233 -
JAMA Dermatology Jun 2023
Topics: Humans; Traction; Alopecia
PubMed: 37133879
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.6298 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jan 2023The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors for alopecia areata, measured by change in Severity of Alopecia... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors for alopecia areata, measured by change in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed using Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library. All studies investigating the efficacy of treatments for alopecia areata were included. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients with alopecia areata achieving 30%, 50%, 75%, 90% and 100% improvement in SALT score after treatment with a Janus kinase inhibitor. A meta-analysis was performed including all randomized controlled trials investigating Janus kinase inhibitors. A total of 37 studies matched the inclusion criteria and were included. Meta-analysis was performed based on 5 randomized studies. Regarding patients with alopecia areata defined as ≥ 50% scalp hair loss, baricitinib 4 mg once daily demonstrated the highest efficacy. However, among patients with alopecia areata defined as a SALT score ≥ 50, oral deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily demonstrated the highest efficacy. Deuruxolitinib and baricitinib appear to be promising drugs for the treatment of alopecia areata. However, the response depends on the dosage of the drug. More randomized trials, with identical inclusion criteria and dose and duration of treatment, are required to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 36695751
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v103.4536 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Sep 2023Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles with potential roles in modulating the hair growth cycle and are an emerging therapy for patients with alopecia. In recent... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles with potential roles in modulating the hair growth cycle and are an emerging therapy for patients with alopecia. In recent years, researchers have made significant progress in deciphering the network of cellular interactions and signaling pathways mediated by the transfer of exosomes. This has opened the door to a wide range of potential therapeutic applications with an increasing focus on its application in precision medicine.
AIM
To evaluate current published evidence, both preclinical and clinical, on the use of exosomes for hair restoration.
METHODS
In January 2023, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Records were identified, screened, and assessed for eligibility as per the PRISMA guideline.
RESULTS
We identified 16 studies (15 preclinical and 1 clinical) showing varying degrees of efficacy using exosomes derived from sources including adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Applications of exosomes isolated from ADSCs (ADSC-Exo) and DPCs have shown early promising results in preclinical studies corroborated by results obtained from different model systems. Topical ADSC-Exo has been tried successfully in 39 androgenetic alopecia patients demonstrating significant increases in hair density and thickness. No significant adverse reactions associated with exosome treatment have been reported thus far.
CONCLUSIONS
Although current clinical evidence supporting the use of exosome treatment is limited, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting its therapeutic potential. Further studies are warranted to define its mechanism of action, optimize its delivery and efficacy, and to address important safety concerns.
Topics: Humans; Exosomes; Adipose Tissue; Hair; Adipocytes; Alopecia
PubMed: 37381168
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15869 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jun 2023The diagnosis and treatment of medication-associated alopecia often challenges patients and physicians. While numerous studies on the topic exist, limited information on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis and treatment of medication-associated alopecia often challenges patients and physicians. While numerous studies on the topic exist, limited information on the strength and magnitude of these studies exists.
OBJECTIVES
We investigated the most commonly prescribed medications with high levels of evidence to support associations with alopecia.
METHODS
A list of most commonly prescribed medications was compiled using the "Top 100 Prescriptions, Sales" (Intercontinental Marketing Services) and "Top 200 Names Searched" (RxList.com). PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for "generic drug name" AND "alopecia" and "generic drug name" AND "hair loss." Two reviewers independently reviewed articles for drug, study type and level of evidence, and number of alopecia cases.
RESULTS
A total of 192 unique drugs were investigated, with 110 yielding positive search results. Of these, 13 were associated with alopecia in studies with strong levels of evidence (adalimumab, infliximab, budesonide, interferon β-1α, tacrolimus, enoxaparin, zoster vaccine, lamotrigine, docetaxel, capecitabine, erlotinib, imatinib, and bortezomib).
LIMITATIONS
Only full-length articles available in the English language were included. The methodology used relied on lists of drugs based on their sales rather than number of prescriptions, which likely overrepresented expensive drugs.
CONCLUSIONS
Few studies with high levels of evidence have been conducted on the topic of medication-associated alopecia. The mechanisms of hair loss must be further identified to provide effective management.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Generic; Alopecia; Interferon-beta; Lamotrigine; Research Design
PubMed: 37268392
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.060 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Aug 2023This article discusses drug-induced hair loss, which can occur with many drugs including cytotoxic agents, biologics, and immunomodulating agents, among others. It... (Review)
Review
This article discusses drug-induced hair loss, which can occur with many drugs including cytotoxic agents, biologics, and immunomodulating agents, among others. It outlines the diagnosis and management of drug-induced alopecia, with a focus on recently implicated drugs.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia; Biological Products; Cytotoxins
PubMed: 37591561
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.022