Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) is the most common form of hair loss. The frequency of the disease increases with age. It is reported that over the age of 80, 73% of men and 57% of women are being affected. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by an androgen-dependent progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. In men, androgenetic alopecia is characterized by bitemporal recession of the frontal hairline, followed by diffuse thinning at the vertex. In women, a frontal hair thinning accentuation resulting in the ‘Christmas tree’ pattern, central scalp involvement with the sparing of the frontal hairline, or bitemporal recession are observed. Trichoscopy is useful in diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia, evaluation of hair loss severity, and monitoring the treatment efficacy. Main treatment modalities of androgenetic alopecia include topical and oral minoxidil, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and antiandrogen agents.
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Waśkiel-Burnat, A., Rudnicka, L. (2023). Androgenetic Alopecia. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D'Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_5
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