Alopecia – problem faced by approximately 30% of the world's population. Available treatments for hair loss include hormonal therapy, vitamins and supplements, antifungal and antiparasitic agents, prostaglandin analogs, antihypertensive and vasodilator drugs, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, hair transplantation, corticosteroid injections, infrared radiation, etc.
believes that in addition to any chosen therapy, it is advisable to prescribe topical drugs for the treatment of alopecia. Which topical drugs are used in the treatment of alopecia
Topical drugs that can be used in the treatment of alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia include:
• hormonal drugs;
• spironolactone;
• finasteride;
• latanoprost;
• Minoxidil.
Follow us onInstagram! Studies confirm the effectiveness of topical estradiol and progesterone in the treatment of baldness. Physiological doses and local application reduce the risks associated with therapy with these drugs. It is also believed that topical application, along with the right choice of excipient, can reduce the number of side effects and at the same time get a more pronounced local effect of the use of estradiol and progesterone.
The duration of the use of a particular substance is determined individually for each patient.
The duration of the use of a particular substance is determined individually for each patient.
Alopecia areata: techniques used and possible errors in treatment
Estradiol By inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase, estradiol prevents the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone. And by inhibiting 17β-dehydrogenase, estradiol reduces the synthesis of testosterone from adrostenedione, thereby reducing the level of DHT.
In addition, estradiol accelerates the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by stimulating aromatase. Also, this substance reduces the level of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and stimulates the growth of hair follicle matrix cells.
Topical estradiol is most commonly prescribed at a concentration of 0.025%.
Progesterone – natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor – an enzyme that promotes the formation of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone.
In conditions of lack or shortage of progesterone, 5-alpha reductase activity increases, resulting in the production of more dihydrotestosterone, which leads to thinning and hair loss in androgenic alopecia.
The concentration of progesterone used in the treatment of alopecia – 2%.
Dihydrotestosterone is said to be the main cause of male and female pattern baldness.
Spironolactone Spironolactone acts as an androgen antagonist, completely blocking androgen receptors and also suppressing the production of androgens in the ovaries. For the treatment of alopecia, it is used at a concentration of 1–3%.
Finasteride inhibits the activity of the 5-alpha reductase type 2 enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to the more active substance dihydrotestosterone. Oral finasteride is associated with a number of risks and side effects, and topical use may be safer. Topical solution contains 0.25% finasteride.
A 2012 study showed that latanoprost (a prostaglandin analogue) significantly increased hair density (by 22%) 24 weeks after use in young men with moderate hair loss. Only 16 patients took part in the study. The substance is also used to treat eyelash alopecia.
Concentration – 0.005%.
New protocol for the treatment of alopecia: mesotherapy + botulinum toxin
Minoxidil Minoxidil dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow and, consequently, the amount of nutrients supplied to the hair follicles. When used in the early stages of alopecia, minoxidil therapy is effective and safe.
Most commonly, minoxidil is used in concentrations of 2% and 5%.
Treatment of alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia: precautions
After the diagnosis is made, therapy for androgenetic and alopecia areata is selected taking into account:
• patient history;
• possible contraindications;
• Medications the patient is taking;
• side effects;
• allergic reactions.
Estradiol and other hormonal drugs are contraindicated in the presence of oncological diseases in the anamnesis of the patient or his relatives. Hormonal preparations are prescribed with caution to men due to the risk of developing gynecomastia after taking estradiol.
Spironolactone is safe when applied topically. There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of topical finasteride, as well as information on the side effects of the drug.
Latanoprost topical is not indicated for patients with glaucoma and herpetic simplex keratitis.
Topical minoxidil is contraindicated in the presence of pheochromocytoma, and this drug can lead to dryness and flaking of the scalp over time – patients should be warned about this.
Topical preparations, especially in combination with other therapies, can be effective in the treatment of various types of alopecia, in particular alopecia areata and androgenetic.
Share:
Add a comment