Post on 12-Apr-2017
Update on Female Pattern Hair Loss:
Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
Antonella Tosti, MD; Lakshi M. Aldrege, MSN, ANP-BC; Amy J. McMichael, MD
Reported by: Rhona Justine A. Chagas
What is Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)?
• Characterized by a decrease in hair density in the region of the central scalp and the temporal region due to a progressive decrease in the ratio of terminal hairs to vellus hairs in a process termed miniaturization of the hair follicle.
Epidemiology of Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)
• Nearly 50% of women will experience hair loss at some time in their lifetime.
• Female pattern hair loss increases with advancing age and is more prevalent following menopause
• Studies from several different countries reported a prevalence in the range of 1% to 12% between ages 20 to 29 years, and from 12% to 56% in women older than age 70 years.
DIAGNOSIS
• Examination of the hair and scalp to investigate the distribution of hair loss and the quality of remaining hair in the areas involved
• Histopathology and assessment of hair counts in a 4-mm punch biopsy.
• TrichoscopyNoninvasive Diagnostic tool
-It provides a magnified view of the scalp and hair shafts.
-One sign indicative of FPHL is a more than 20% variation in the diameter of the hair shaft
3 Main Characteristic Patterns of FPHL
• LudwigDiffuse thinning and widening of central part of
the scalp
• Christmas treeFrontal accentuation of hair loss
• HamiltonFrontotemporal recession of hairline
Common Types of Hair Loss in Women
TYPE CLINICAL DESCRIPTION CAUSES
ALOPECIA AREATA (AA)
Non-scarring; no signs of erythema or skin inflammation; occurs in patches; acute onset
Uncertain etiology; possible autoimmune origin
CHRONIC TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM (CTE)
Non-scarring; early shedding of hair; not associated with thinning hair
Idiopathic and multifactorial; typically no specific trigger
FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS (FPHL)
Progressive and gradual hair loss in characteristic patterns; non-scarring
Some hormonal causes; role of genetics is unclear; possibly polygenic
Common Types of Hair Loss in Women (cont)TYPES CLINICAL DESCRIPTION CAUSES
FRONTAL FIBROSING ALOPECIA (FFA)
Scarring form of hair loss: characterized by hairline recession; associated with decrease/loss of eyebrows; mostly in postmenopausal women
Inflammatory; cause unknown
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM (TE)
Acute, diffuse hair loss of <50%; non-scarring; duration of approximately 3 months; transient but may precede FPHL
Can be due to diseases, medications, pregnancy, dietary deficiencies, atoimmune disorders, emotional distress
Psychosocial Implications of FPHL
• Hair is associated with general beauty and appearance, self-esteem, and social identity
• FPHL is associated with reduced quality of life.• Women with FPHL experience:
-Negative body image-Poorer self-esteem
-Impaired functioning at school, home, and work-Depression-Diminished personal relationship
Treatment for FPHL
• MINOXIDIL-Approved by the FDA for FPHL
2% topical solution applied twice daily
5% foam applied once daily-No sysytemic side effects reported-Local adverse effects includes: Pruritis, facial hypertrichosis, and dandruff
• LASER/LIGHT THERAPY-Devices that use low level laser light– HairMax laser comb
was approved for male pattern hair loss, and in 2011 it was approved for FPHL
Side effects are: Scalp irritation and erythema
COSMETIC OPTIONS
-Camouflage areas of baldness-Can be used in combination with medical treatments-Options include:
MicropigmentationFibersHair extensionsHair shaft thickenersWigs
Conclusion:• Women with FPHL present a challenge because of the
lack of curative treatments.• Therapeutic success can be enhanced with early
identification and treatment.• Patients must be informed about realistic goals for
treatment and the importance of adherence to therapy for results to be sustained. The effect of FPHL on patients’ self-esteem and psychological well-being should be taken into consideration when developing a management plan for this condition.