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Treatment Options for Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Medical treatment

Minoxidil:  5% minoxidil liquid or foam application to the scalp helps to slow down the progression of hair loss and may partially restore hair. Minoxidil liquid or foam is applied on the affected scalp (not the hair) using a pump spray or dropper device. It is spread evenly over the hair loss affected area lightly and does not need to be massaged in. Minoxidil can cause skin dryness, redness, itching and/or scaling at the site of application and should not be applied on cuts or open wounds. It should be used for at least 6 months before any benefit may be noticed. Any response obtained is only maintained for as long as the treatment is continued. Minoxidil may cause hairs to fall initially during the first 2-8 weeks of treatment, and usually this subsides when new hairs start to grow.

Finasteride: Finasteride tablets reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone, slows down hair loss and helps in regrowth of hair. Continuous use for 3 – 6 months is required before a benefit can be usually seen. Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction are recognized side-effects of this treatment. Beneficial effects on hair growth are lost within 6 to 12 months of discontinuing treatment.

All topical and oral treatments work only till the time treatment is continued.

Camouflage treatment

Wigs and hair pieces:

Wigs, toupees, and hair extensions are helpful in disguising hair loss. There are two types of hairpiece; synthetic or made from real hair.

Synthetic wigs and hairpieces usually last about 6 -9 months, are easy to wash and maintain, but may be susceptible to heat damage and are hot to wear.

Real hair wigs or hairpieces look more natural, can be styled easily and are cooler to wear.

Skin camouflage:

Spray preparations containing small, pigmented fibers help to disguise hair loss affected area. These preparations wash away if the hair gets wet, and only tend to last between shampooing.

Surgical treatments:

Surgical treatment includes.

  • hair transplantation, a procedure where hair follicles are taken from the sides and back of the scalp and transplanted onto the bald areas; and
  • scalp reduction, where a section of bald area is excised, and the hair-bearing scalp is stretched to cover the gap. Tissue expanders are used to stretch the skin.
  • Platelet rich Plasma Therapy: PRP is a safe and effective hair loss treatment. The procedure involves blood centrifugation that separates red blood cells from plasma. Plasma rich in platelets containing growth factors is injected into the patient’s hair follicles. Injections are given once a month for the first three months, and then once every three to six months thereafter. Patients may notice less loss of hair after therapy. PRP therapy has high success and satisfaction rates in patients with hereditary hair baldness or thinning. PRP may be used as an adjuvant with other medical treatments to give patients the best possible results.

 Self-care?

Protect bald areas of your scalp from sun to prevent sunburn and to reduce the chances of developing long-term sun damage.

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Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Male Pattern Hair Loss

What is male pattern hair loss?

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men and affects about 50% of men over the age of 50.

What causes male pattern hair loss?

MPHL is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone causes the affected follicles to become progressively shorter in length, smaller in diameter, and lighter in color until eventually the completely shrink follicles stop producing hair.

Is male pattern hair loss hereditary?

Yes. It can be inherited from either or both parents.

What are the symptoms of male pattern hair loss?

Men become aware of hair loss or a receding hairline at any time after puberty. It is usually asymptomatic on scalp.

How does male pattern hair loss look like?

In androgenetic alopecia the usual pattern is a hair loss from the top of the head with a receding frontal hairline. Hairs in the affected areas become shorter in diameter, and smaller compared to hairs in unaffected areas.

How is male pattern hair loss diagnosed?

The diagnosis is based on the history of receding hairline or scalp hair loss on the front/ top of the head, the pattern(distribution) of hair loss and a family history. The skin on the scalp may look normal on examination.

How can male pattern hair loss be treated?

  • Licensed topical and oral treatments:

1) 5% minoxidil liquid or foam
2) finasteride tablets for men

  • Wigs and hair pieces
  • Skin camouflage
  • Surgical treatments

Self-care (What can I do?)

It is important to protect any bald areas of the scalp from sunlight to prevent sunburn and to reduce long-term sun damage.

07-01-2021 https://www.dermastation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hair-loss.jpg Male Pattern Hair Loss,