Hair loss

Question 1

What are the presenting symptoms of Male Pattern Hair Loss

Answer 1

begins at top and back of head, top of forehead
results in U-shape of hair around ides, back
may have complete hair loss

Question 2

What are the presenting symptoms of female pattern hair loss

Answer 2

gradual thinning over crown and mid-frontal scalp
hairs are thinner, shorter and tapered

Question 3

What are the exclusions for self-treatment for hair loss

Answer 3

1. less than 18 years old
2. pregnant/lactating
3. postpartum
4. recent discontinuation of oral contraceptives
5. no family history of hair loss
6. endocrine dysfunction
7. medications that cause hair loss
8. dietary deficiencies
9. sudden or patchy hair loss
10. fever or inflammation occurring 3-6 months before hair loss
11. skin lesions associated with autoimmune process or infection
12. scaling, sunburn or other scalp damage
13. broken hairs
14. loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
15. pitting of nails or other abnormalities

Question 4

What are EFFECTIVE non-pharmacologic options for someone with hair loss

Answer 4

wigs
hair weaves
hair volumizing approaches
calp camouflage

Question 5

What are INEFFECTIVE approaches to hair loss

Answer 5

scalp massage
frequent hair washing
electrical scalp stimulation
dietary supplements

Question 6

What OTC treatment options are approved for females experiencing hair loss

Answer 6

2% minoxidil solution
5% minoxidil foam

Question 7

What OTC treatment options are preferred for men experiencing hairloss

Answer 7

5% solution
5% foam

Question 8

What is the MOA of topical minoxidil

Answer 8

1. opens K+ channel and cause vasodilation increasing scalp blood flow to hair follicles
2. causes follicular hypertrophy which results in thickened hair shafts
3. prolongs anagen phase and shortens telogen phase

Question 9

How long does it take to see minoxidil to start working and how long do the effects relax

Answer 9

start seeing effects in 2-4 months
effects last as long as use is continued
*once stopped hair will return to pre-minoxidil state

Question 10

What is the dosing for minoxidil

Answer 10

Solutions: 1 mL applied twice daily
Foam: 1/2 capful applied twice a day

Question 11

What are the side effects of topical minoxidil

Answer 11

pruritis
irritation
dryness/scaling at application sites
hypertrichosis(excessive hair growth)
*forehead and cheeks

Question 12

What are the drug interactions of topical minoxidil

Answer 12

topical corticosteroids
petrolatum
retinoids
*increase absorption and increased side effects

Question 13

Who should avoid using topical minoxidil

Answer 13

preexisting cardiovascular symptoms due increase in chest pain, dizziness, tachycardia
scalp damage
severed sunburn