26^th European Dermatology Congress

Hair Loss Management and Modern Approaches

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Androgenic alopecia (also known as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia androgenetica, or male pattern baldness) is hair loss that occurs due to an underlying susceptibility of hair follicles to androgenic miniaturization. It is the most common cause of hair loss and will affect up to 70% of men and 40% of women at some point in their lifetimes. Men typically present with hairline recession at the temples and vertex balding, while women normally thin diffusely over the top of their scalps. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role, and many etiologies remain unknown.Classic androgenic hair loss in males begins above the temples and vertex, or calvaria, of the scalp. As it progresses, a rim of hair at the sides and rear of the head remains. This has been referred to as a 'Hippocratic wreath', and rarely progresses to complete baldness. The Hamilton-Norwood scale has been developed to grade androgenic alopecia in males.Female androgenic alopecia is known colloquially as "female pattern baldness", although its characteristics can also occur in males. It more often causes diffuse thinning without hairline recession; and, like its male counterpart, rarely leads to total hair loss. The Ludwig scale grades severity of androgenic alopecia in females.Hair loss in children is a more prevalent occurrence than most people imagine. Currently children's hair loss is responsible for approximately 3% of all pediatric office visits in this country. Trichotillomania, also known as trichotillosis or hair pulling disorder) is an impulse disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and balding, distress, and social or functional impairment. It appears in the ICD chapter 5 on Mental and behavioural disorders and is often chronic and difficult to treat.Trichotillomania may be present in infants, but the peak age of onset is 9 to 13. It may be triggered by depression or stress. Owing to social implications the disorder is often unreported and it is difficult to accurately predict its prevalence; the lifetime prevalence is estimated to be between 0.6% and 4.0% of the overall population. Common areas for hair to be pulled out are the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, legs, arms, hands, nose and the pubic areas.

Industry statistics and market size for hair loss treatment is annually $4bn. Number of U.S men experiencing hair loss is 35 Million, number of U.S women experiencing hair loss is 21 Million, number of hair loss sufferers, world-wide, seeking professional treatment is 811,363.