144 citations
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July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting about 2% of people, causing significant disability and often associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions.
Diffuse hair loss is often linked to genetics but can also be due to health issues like thyroid problems and low vitamin or iron levels. Treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, with some seeing improvements after addressing health issues.
A user reversed hair loss using 10% sulfur soap, which reduced scalp inflammation and possibly demodex mites. The user did not use finasteride or minoxidil, suggesting inflammation may contribute to hair loss.
Finasteride is used for hair loss, with mixed reports of no side effects and claims of long-term negative effects known as Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). The conversation debates the existence and causes of PFS, with differing opinions on whether it is psychological or real.
The post discusses the experiences of individuals with diffuse hair thinning using finasteride, with many reporting no improvement or worsening conditions after 6 months. Various suggestions include persisting with the treatment, checking for underlying conditions, adding minoxidil for volume, adjusting dosage, and considering other potential causes like autoimmune responses and inflammation.
A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.