Hair loss

A significant number of men and women experience hair loss. Up to 80% white 40% 50% are affected at some point in their lives. White more likely loss than other ethnicities. Many factors potentially contribute loss, including hormonal changes, physiologic stress, chronic illnesses, medications, dietary genetics, local trauma. People by often low self-esteem; personal, social, work-related challenges; psychiatric disorders, such as depression anxiety. The economic impact is approximately $3.5 billion each year through purchases products procedures. Hair broadly categorized either nonscarring or scarring alopecia. Forms alopecia include androgenetic (AGA), also known hereditary pattern loss; areata (rapid-onset, patchy loss); anagen effluvium (rapid shedding growing hairs); telogen resting cosmetic damage; trichotillomania (a compulsive pulling out one's hair); tinea capitis (fungal infection/ringworm the scalp). AGA most common form only type for which FDA-approved nonprescription medications available. characterized progressive, male female from scalp. goal self-treatment achieve an appearance that patient considers acceptable with a corresponding decrease emotional distress experienced. If approach appropriate, treatment objectives can be accomplished camouflage and/or use topical minoxidil stimulate growth, where applicable. Minoxidil agent AGA. It available 2% 5% hydroalcoholic solutions solvent-free foam. applied various methods depending on applicator (i.e., spray dropper). Administration guidelines dosage forms differ, it important instruct patients accordingly. This product labeled baldness crown head thinning frontoparietal area women. (1 mL twice daily) foam (half capful approved men, whereas solution once When used topically appears increase cutaneous blood flow, promote maintain vascularization follicles, directly follicular hypertrophy, prolong (active follicle) phase. After initiation treatment, may occur within first few weeks use. Several months elapse before growth apparent. In many cases, increased density minimal, response difficult assess. must continue indefinitely new growth. adverse effects associated minoxidil, itching, irritation, dryness scaling site application, related hydroalcoholic/propylene glycol product. Use formulation propylene glycol–free reduces risk effects. Patients scalp damage psoriasis, severe sunburn, abrasions should avoid minoxidil. All women, regardless pregnancy breastfeeding status, consult primary care provider initiating regimen. Other drugs not concomitantly medication indicated infants, children 18 years younger, those heart disease except under supervision provider. fails appear time specified (generally 4-6 months) despite consistent product, stop seek physician.