Hair Loss

OTC

-androgenetic alopecia

-telogen effluvium

RX

alopecia areata

Androgenetic Alopecia

-hormonal, hereditary

-female: 40-50% by age 70

-male: 80% by age 70

-gradual onset with progression of pattered hair loss

Minoxidil 2-5%

-only AI that is OTC

-always recommend 5% because more effective

-once you start can't stop or it will have hair loss again

Minoxidil Solution

-apply to clean dry scalp and hair

-1mL, men: BID, women: once daily

-wash and dry hands

-allow 2-4 hrs to let drug penetrate scalp before doing anything that will wash or rub it off (if get in bed can stain)

-do not dry scalp with hair dryer after applying

Minoxidil Foam

-wash hands with cold water and dry well

-part the hair in one or more rows

-hair should be completely dry

-apply one half capful, men: BID, women : once daily

-massage gently into scalp

-wash hands

-let dry completely before lying down, grooming, styling, etc.

Exclusions to Hair Loss Treatment

-< 18

-pregnancy, breast feeding, postpartum

-no family history

-positive hair pull test

-history of endocrine dysfunction, medical treatments, or dietary deficiencies

-sudden/patchy

-fever/inflammation

-skin lesions that indicate autoimmune disease or infection

-scaly, sunburn, or other damage to scalp

-broken off hair shafts

-loss of eyebrows/eyelashes

-nail pitting/abnormalities

-women with sudden/severe hair loss