In our previous segment we touched on the various forms of hair loss that commonly occur. As we discussed, the most common cause of hair loss is hereditary baldness, or androgenetic alopecia (AGA) also known as male pattern baldness. We also touched upon other less-common causes of hair loss including disorders which may be linked to underlying diseases, medications, medical treatments, normal hormonal changes, stress, and poor nutrition.

In this and upcoming segments we shall describe viable treatment options for the most common forms of hair loss, beginning with alopecia areata. First, let us review what alopecia areata is and how it differs from pattern hair loss.   Alopecia areata (AA) is a hair loss disorder  in which pigmented hair is shed from some or all areas of the body, but usually from the head and scalp. Interestingly, non-pigmented hair is often spared, leading some investigators to conclude that the melanin-producing structures in the hair follicle may play a role in triggering the onset of AA. When alopecia areata manifests, the condition can, on rare occasions, spread to the entire scalp. This is called alopecia totalis. When the disease spreads to include the entire skin surface it is known as alopecia universalis. Unlike androgenetic alopecia (common pattern hair loss) conditions resembling AA, and having a similar cause, occur also in other species including mice.  This has rendered AA more susceptible to basic science investigation. While a cure for alopecia areata does not yet exist, viable treatment options are available.  

Even without treatment, particularly if the affected region is not widespread, many cases of AA spontaneously regress and the hair may grow back. In cases where there is severe hair loss,  corticosteroids, including clobetasol and fluocinonide may be deployed either via local injection, oral ingestion, or topical administration. Steroid injections are commonly used in sites where there are small areas of hair loss on the head and especially where eyebrow hair has been lost. Some other drugs commonly used, but with limited success, are minoxidil, mometasone steroid ointment, coal tar irritants, and topical immunotherapy, e.g. cyclosporine.  Occasionally, these options may be used concurrently with greater effect. Due to the rate of spontaneous remission, the clinical efficacy of treatment options for alopecia areata has proven somewhat difficult to ascertain. Work continues though to uncover a true cure for this disease.  

In our next segment we will explore treatment options for those forms of hair loss primarily affecting women.