Hair loss: a clinical update
Abstract
Hair loss is classified into non-scarring and scarring alopecias, the latter being further subdivided into primary and secondary forms. These classifications are also referred to as non-cicatricial and cicatricial hair loss. This article focuses on androgenic alopecia (AGA) and will, at times, be referred to as male pattern hair loss (MPHL) or female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Essentially, AGA is a non-scarring, benign form of alopecia, generally related to ageing and where, on the whole, a proportion of hair can grow back. Aestheticians should be prepared to answer a patient's questions and concerns and be familiar with the current levels of evidence surrounding the myriad of treatments available.
Hair loss is a prevalent condition affecting men, women and children for a variety of different reasons (Gordon and Tosti, 2011). Patients present in aesthetic clinics seeking effective hair loss treatments to prevent further thinning and to optimally stimulate regrowth (Kanti et al, 2018). Hair is an important feature of image; strong and dense hair is associated with youth, beauty, healthiness and success. Consequently, loss of hair can often cause psychological distress (Gordon and Tosti, 2011; Kanti et al, 2018).
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a non-scarring, benign form of alopecia, unfortunately, scarring alopecias cause destruction of the hair follicle, as well as scar tissue, meaning that hair can never grow back, and treatment must be started as soon as possible to stop further scarring. In almost all cases, hair loss is benign and is not contagious, unless linked to an infectious cause, or where a cancerous tumour is involved in the patch of hair loss (Watkins, 2010). Table 1 shows the main categories of alopecia.
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