Alopecia Epidemiolog1 - an antihypertensive shown to slow the progress of hair loss but not prevent it Treatment for Alopecia areata includes both oral

Alopecia Epidemiology Androgenic alopecia affects approximately 50% of all men eventually whilst the incidence of Alopecia areata is approximately 1 in 1000 with a lifetime prevalence of 2% Diagnosis Diagnosis is usually evident on examination. Occasionally a microscopic biopsy may be taken to elicit a cause. In an otherwise asymptomatic patient a diagnosis of alopecia can be made clinically; however ensure the patient doesn’t have any other co-morbidities or emerging conditions. Treatment As of 2011 there is no definitive treatment for Androgenic Alopecia. Some medications which interact with androgen production, such as Finasteride, have been shown to reduce hair loss at a price of decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and gynaecomastia. Other therapies for Androgenic Alopecia include Minoxidil,

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Unformatted text preview: an antihypertensive, shown to slow the progress of hair loss but not prevent it. Treatment for Alopecia areata includes both oral and injections of Corticosteroids. This type of treatment is repeated on a monthly basis. Typically the results may take up to a month to be seen. Where a cause for alopecia is found, such as a skin infection, treatment typically cures the problem of hair loss. Other treatments include wigs for patients undergoing chemotherapy, or hair transplantation for patients with areas which do not resolve. Prognosis Alopecia usually resolves as the underlying condition is treated. Many cases resolve spontaneously, but persistent alopecia areata and alopecia totalis do not have a good prognosis. Prevention Alopecia can’t be predicted and as of 2011 cannot be prevented....
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