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Review
. 2021 Dec 13;54(4):422-434.
doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739254. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Pharmacological Management of Pattern Hair Loss

Sandeep Suresh Sattur  1 , Indu Sandeep Sattur  1
Affiliations
Review

Pharmacological Management of Pattern Hair Loss

Sandeep Suresh Sattur et al. Indian J Plast Surg. .

Abstract

Pattern hair loss (PHL) is a condition that worsens with time and the only way it can be slowed down is with pharmacological intervention. Pharmacological treatments for PHL, from an evidenced-based perspective with respect to safety and efficacy, are limited to only two drugs, minoxidil and finasteride. However, there are a host of drugs being used, off-label with limited evidence. This article attempts to review the literature on this topic, and the authors add to this, with their experience of over two decades on incorporating pharmacologic treatments along with hair transplantation in their management of PHL.

Keywords: Dutasteride; Finasteride; Minoxidil; Pattern Hair Loss; Post finasteride syndrome; Topical finasteride.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proposed mechanisms of action of minoxidil on hair follicles.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Results of minoxidil in pattern hair loss (PHL).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Results of minoxidil in pattern hair loss (PHL).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Results of minoxidil in pattern hair loss (PHL).
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Irritant dermatitis caused by minoxidil application.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Increase in facial hair after minoxidil application.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Minoxidil crystal precipitation on hair
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
( a ) Dull look after minoxidil application. ( b ) Addressing dull look after minoxidil application with leave on serum.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Results of using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Results of using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Results of using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Showing beneficial effects of oral finasteride and topical minoxidil in hair transplant outcomes.
Fig. 13
Fig. 13
Improved scalp coverage with topical finasteride and minoxidil.
Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Improved scalp coverage with topical finasteride and minoxidil.
Fig. 15
Fig. 15
Improvement with minoxidil and later with minoxidil and finasteride combination
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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