An atypical case of a 14-year-old Filipino female with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia presenting with alopecia universalis

Introduction@#Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) represents a group of inherited, autosomal recessive disor- ders that typically presents with androgenetic alopecia, but may present with alopecia universalis on rare occasions.@*Case report@#We report a case of a 14-year-old Filipino female with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia presenting with alopecia universalis, treated with a combination of Tretinoin and Minoxidil solution, low dose prednisone and an oral supplement containing zinc gluconate, nicotinamide, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E and selenium, with noted gradual hair regrowth and improvement in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).@*Conclusion@#Alopecia universalis in a patient diagnosed with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a rare and atypical manifestation, with no case reports available to describe its occurrence. Due to its rarity, there is no standard treatment for pa- tients with this condition. However, the combination of tretinoin and minoxidil solution, low dose prednisone and an oral supple- ment containing zinc gluconate, nicotinamide, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E and selenium shows promising results.

Polystyrene-b-poly (acrylic acid) nanovesicles coated by modified chitosans for encapsulation of minoxidil

Abstract In this work, polystyrene-b-poly (acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) nanovesicles were coated by modified chitosans aiming at studying its physicochemical parameters. The chitosan (CS) was chemically modified to add hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic groups, obtaining three modified chitosans. The PS-b-PAA nanovesicles were obtained by organic (1,4-dioxane) cosolvent method in water, resulting in nanovesicles with less than 150 nm of diameter (polydispersibility index - PDI at 90° = 0.106), measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and negative zeta potential (-37.5 ± 3.2 mV), allowing the coating of its surface with oppositely charged polysaccharides, such as the CS and the modified chitosans. The coating process was made by mixing the colloidal suspensions with the CS and the modified chitosans at specific ENT#091;CS-xENT#093;/ENT#091;PS-b-PAAENT#093; ratios (0.001 to 1.0 wt %) and measuring the change in size and surface charge by DLS and zeta potential. Upon reaching maximum adsorption, the zeta potential parameter was positively stabilized (+26.7 ± 4.1 mV) with a hydrodynamic diameter slightly longer (< 200 nm of diameter). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of minoxidil, quantified by capillary electrophoresis, was 50.7%, confirming their potential as drug delivery carriers and the coating process showed the possibility of controlling the surface charge nature of these nanovesicles

Taponamiento pericárdico asociado a minoxidil: un diagnóstico olvidado / Pericardial tamponade associated with minoxidil: a forgotten diagnosis

Resumen El derrame pericárdico es una acumulación excesiva de líquido en el espacio pericárdico, el cual se ha asociado al empleo crónico de minoxidil desde principios de su uso clínico; este es formulado comúnmente a pacientes con hipertensión arterial de difícil control y con enfermedad renal crónica asociada, por su efecto vasodilatador arterial y poco efecto sobre la circulación venosa. Se expone el caso de un paciente quien presentó clínica sugestiva de derrame pericárdico, el cual fue confirmado por imágenes (rayos X, tomografía y ecocardiografía) y quien además se encontraba en tratamiento de hemodiálisis crónica por enfermedad renal crónica secundaria a síndrome nefrótico. En la literatura existen algunos reportes de casos similares, pero no hay estudios con datos concluyentes que permitan establecer un porcentaje claro de asociación ni la causa de esta enfermedad. Con este reporte de caso se busca aumentar la sospecha diagnóstica de esta asociación para que otros clínicos tengan este posible diagnóstico en mente, una vez se hayan descartado otras etiologías adicionales y puedan suspender a tiempo la medicación a fin de evitar desenlaces catastróficos como el taponamiento pericárdico.

Abstract Pericardial effusion is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space and has been associated with the long-term use of minoxidil from the beginning of its clinical use. It is commonly prescribed to patients with difficult to control arterial hypertension and associated chronic kidney disease due to it arterial vasodilator effects and little effect of the venous circulation. A case is presented on a patient who had a clinical picture suggestive of a pericardial effusion, which was confirmed by imaging tests (X-ray, tomography, and cardiac ultrasound). She was also on long-term haemodialysis treatment due to chronic kidney disease secondary to a nephrotic syndrome. There are reports of similar cases in the literature, but there are no studies with conclusive data that may help to establish a clear percentage association or the cause of the disease. This case report seeks to increase the diagnostic suspicion of this association so that other clinicians may have this possible diagnosis in mind, once they have ruled out any other. They can then stop the medication on time in order to prevent catastrophic outcomes like pericardiac tamponade.

Manejo de alopecia no paciente em tratamento oncológico / Management of alopecia in oncologic treatment patients

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento do câncer vem evoluindo a cada dia. Entretanto, efeitos adversos como alterações dermatológicas apresentam um grande impacto psicossocial ao paciente oncológico. Uma dessas alterações dermatológicas é a alopecia, caracterizada pela perda dos fios da sobrancelha e do couro cabeludo. RELATO DE CASO: Foram referidos dois casos de pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico com alopecia parcial e total. Ambas receberam tratamento por meio do Minoxidil, de uso tópico, havendo repilação completa após três meses. Não foram observados efeitos adversos. CONCLUSÃO: A loção tópica de Minoxidil mostrou-se um método efetivo e seguro para tratar a alopecia parcial e total em pacientes que ainda estão em tratamento oncológico.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of cancer has been evolving every day. However, adverse effects such as dermatological changes have a great psychosocial impact on cancer patients. One dermatological change is alopecia, characterized by loss of eyebrow and scalp strands. CASE REPORT: Two cases of patients undergoing chemotherapy with partial and total alopecia were reported. Both were treated with Minoxidil, which was topically used, with complete repilation after three months. No adverse effects observed. CONCLUSION: Minoxidil topical lotion has proven to be an effective and safe method to treat partial and total alopecia in patients still undergoing cancer treatment.

Involvement of K+ATP and Ca2+ channels in hydrogen sulfide-suppressed ageing of porcine oocytes

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide has been shown to improve the quality of oocytes destined for in vitro fertilization. Although hydrogen sulfide is capable of modulating ion channel activity in somatic cells, the role of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos remains unknown. Our observations confirmed the hypothesis that the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels play roles in porcine oocyte ageing and revealed a plausible contribution of hydrogen sulfide to the modulation of ion channel activity. RESULTS: We confirmed the benefits of the activation and suppression of the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels, respectively, for the preservation of oocyte quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments identified hydrogen sulfide as promoting the desired ion channel activity, with the capacity to protect porcine oocytes against cell death. Further experiments are needed to determine the exact mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos.

Alopecia por tração causada por utilização de implante capilar artificial em cabelos relaxados / Traction alopecia caused by the use of artificial hair implant in relaxed hair

A alopecia por tração é uma disfunção observada no couro cabeludo e causada por uma agressão mecânica externa, como por exemplo, a constante tração dos fios. O implante capilar artificial pode ser relacionado então como possível causa da alopecia por tração, pois, as usuárias não respeitam os prazos de manutenção, implantam quantidades de cabelo em excesso e associam ainda o relaxamento capilar. Tudo isso pode danificar a estrutura do fio de cabelo e o couro cabeludo. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se o uso de implante capilar artificial, associado ao relaxamento do fio, que pode causar a alopecia por tração. Foi realizado estudo comparativo com 30 mulheres, todas com as mesmas características capilares, adeptas do relaxamento capilar à base de hidróxido alcalino e uso de implante capilar artificial do tipo nó italiano. Para determinar a existência da alopecia por tração foi feita análise do couro cabeludo, por imagem, empregando o scanner modelo Babyvision. As imagens geradas foram avaliadas e interpretadas na tentativa de estabelecer correlação entre relaxamento capilar, implante capilar e alopecia de tração. Conclui-se que devido à tração realizada pelo implante artificial capilar houve comprometimento do couro cabeludo ocasionando a calvície permanente naquele local, denominada alopecia por tração. (AU)

Traction alopecia is a dysfunction observed in the scalp and caused by an external mechanical aggression, such as the constant pulling of the hair. The artificial capillary implant can be related as a possible cause of traction alopecia, since users do not observe maintenance periods, implant excessive amounts of hair and also associate capillary relaxation. All of this can damage the structure of the hair strand and the scalp. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the use of artificial capillary implants, associated with the relaxation of the thread can cause traction alopecia. A comparative study was performed with 30 women, all with the same capillary characteristics, adherents of capillary relaxation based on alkaline hydroxide and use of artificial capillary implant Italian knot type. To determine the existence of traction alopecia, scalp analysis was performed using the Babyvision scanner. The images were evaluated and interpreted in an attempt to establish a correlation between capillary relaxation, capillary implant and traction alopecia. It was concluded that, due to the traction performed by the artificial capillary implant, the scalp was compromised, causing permanent baldness at the site, called traction alopecia. (AU)

Gold thread implantation promotes hair growth in human and mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Thread-embedding therapy has been widely applied for cosmetic purposes such as wrinkle reduction and skin tightening. Particularly, gold thread was reported to support connective tissue regeneration, but, its role in hair biology remains largely unknown due to lack of investigation. When we implanted gold thread and Happy Lift™ in human patient for facial lifting, we unexpectedly found an increase of hair regrowth in spite of no use of hair growth medications. When embedded into the depilated dorsal skin of mice, gold thread or polyglycolic acid (PGA) thread, similarly to 5% minoxidil, significantly increased the number of hair follicles on day 14 after implantation. And, hair re-growth promotion in the gold threadimplanted mice were significantly higher than that in PGA thread group on day 11 after depilation. In particular, the skin tissue of gold thread-implanted mice showed stronger PCNA staining and higher collagen density compared with control mice. These results indicate that gold thread implantation can be an effective way to promote hair re-growth although further confirmatory study is needed for more information on therapeutic mechanisms and long-term safety.

Therapeutic Efficacy of a Combination Therapy of Topical 17α-Estradiol and Topical Minoxidil on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Noncomparative, Retrospective Evaluation

BACKGROUND: A variety of agents have been used to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL), including topical minoxidil, topical 17α-estradiol, oral anti-androgen agents, and mineral supplements. Compared with these single agent regimens, combination therapies could be a better therapeutic option in expectation of superior treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of a combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil in Korean patients with FPHL. METHODS: Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in 34 women who applied topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil once daily for more than 6 months. Phototrichogram analysis was performed before and after therapy. The efficacy was evaluated with respect to total hair count, hair caliber (as assessed by phototrichogram analysis), and photographic assessment. RESULTS: Total hair count and hair caliber both increased from baseline to 6 months in patients treated with the combination therapy of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil (p<0.001). Photographic assessment also revealed significant disease improvement, thus supporting the therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil can be tried as an effective treatment for FPHL.

A Case of Androgenetic Alopecia in an Adolescent Female with Response to Topical Minoxidil / 대한피부과학회지

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss that usually occurs in the third or fourth decades of life in men, with later onset in women. AGA does rarely occur, however, in the pediatric population. Adolescent AGA is pattern hair loss occurring in boys and girls between 12 and 18 years of age. We herein report the case of a 16-year-old girl with a 5-year history of diffuse hair loss on the crown. Her father had a history of AGA, and the hair pull test was negative. Sex hormone levels and thyroid function test were within the normal range. Phototrichogram analysis revealed diffuse hair thinning over the frontal and vertex areas, and the percentage of vellus hair was higher on the vertex than the occiput. We diagnosed the patient with adolescent AGA. She was prescribed 3% topical minoxidil, and improvement was visible on the clinical photograph and phototrichogram after 2 years of treatment.

Infantile generalized hypertrichosis caused by topical minoxidil

Abstract Rare cases of hypertrichosis have been associated with topically applied minoxidil. We present the first reported case in the Brazilian literature of generalized hypertrichosis affecting a 5-year-old child, following use of minoxidil 5%, 20 drops a day, for hair loss. The laboratory investigation excluded hyperandrogenism and thyroid dysfunction. Topical minoxidil should be used with caution in children.

Synergistic Proliferating Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Minoxidil on Human Dermal Papilla Cells / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Previous published clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on hair growth. Minoxidil (MXD) enhances hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase of hair follicles. MXD is used to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the combined effect of ES and MXD on cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). METHODS: To investigate the combined effect of ES and MXD on cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Methods: hDPCs were electrically stimulated with different parameter settings of alternating current. Electrically stimulated hDPCs were incubated in an MXD medium, after which cell proliferation was measured using an MTT assay. Ki-67 and β-catenin expressions were measured by immunofluorescence assay. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related gene expressions were measured by real time-PCR, and phosphorylated ERK and AKT protein levels were measured by western blot assay. RESULTS: The combination of 8 V-1 MHz ES and MXD treatment promoted hDPC proliferation effectively, compared with that in the control, ES alone, or MXD alone treatment groups. The immunofluorescence assay showed that the expression of Ki-67 and β-catenin significantly increased in the combined treatment group. Most of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related gene expressions increased more with combined treatment than with the control, ES alone, or MXD alone treatments. However, there were no significant differences in the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK and AKT among the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: ES combined with MXD treatment had a synergistic effect on the proliferation of hDPCs. This might be through the synergistic activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Topical Products for Human Hair Regeneration: A Comparative Study on an Animal Model

BACKGROUND: Hair loss and hair growth is the subject of tremendous amount of research. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy of three chemical treatments used in humans for hair loss, using a rat model of hair regrowth. The products tested were 2% minoxidil, Hairgrow (Dar-Al-Dawa Pharma), Aminexil, Dercos (Vichy Laboratoires), and Kerium, Anti-chute (La Roche-Posay). METHODS: Thirty-two adult female Wistar-Bratislava rats were assigned to 4 groups. Two rectangular areas (2x4 cm) were shaved on either sides of the mid dorsal line (left side - control; right side - test area). Group I was treated topically with 2% minoxidil, group II with Aminexil, and group III with Kerium. Each rat received 0.3 ml of substance applied topically to the shaved dorsal skin every day for 28 days. Rats in group IV served as sham controls receiving no treatment. Hair regrowth was evaluated by trichoscopy (with a dermatoscope), grown hair weight (from a surface area of 1 cm2), and histopathological examination for skin thickness, follicle count, and percentage of anagen induction (morphometric assessment). RESULTS: Treatment with 2% minoxidil significantly induced hair regrowth as assessed by trichoscopy, hair weight examination, and morphometric evaluation. Hair weight examination and morphometric assessment demonstrated the lowest hair growth effect with Aminexil among the tested products. Treatment with Kerium was found to significantly induce hair regrowth (p<0.05 as compared to the control group). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that hair regrowth efficacy of products recommended for human use is not similar when tested on an animal model.

Hair growth promoting effects of emodin in telogenic C57BL/6 mice

Emodin is an anthraquinone derivative from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill that possesses a variety of biological activities, including inhibition of 5α-reductase and prostaglandin D2. In this study, we investigated whether emodin promotes hair growth. After emodin was topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL/6 N mice, the hair growth rate and morphological analysis were evaluated in dorsal skin for 15 days. After 13 days of treatment, minoxidil or emodin (0.01% or 0.1%)-treated groups showed remarkable regrowth of hairs relative to the vehicle control group. Scoring of the hair growth and rate of hair growth area for 15 days revealed that groups treated with minoxidil and 0.1% emodin were significantly higher than the vehicle control group. Histological examination revealed the emodin and minoxidil groups markedly recovered the number and morphology of hair follicles, including the subcutis depth, relative to the vehicle group. These results suggest that emodin has an excellent promoting effect in hair growth similar to that of minoxidil and might be useful for treatment of baldness or alopecia.

Comparison of Saccharina japonica–Undaria pinnatifida Mixture and Minoxidil on Hair Growth Promoting Effect in Mice

BACKGROUND: Algae have traditionally been used for promotion of hair growth. Use of hair regrowth drugs, such as minoxidil, is limited due to side effects. The aim of this study was to examine a mixture of Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida (L-U mixture) on hair growth and to compare the promoting effect of hair growth by a 3% minoxidil and a L-U mixture. METHODS: To evaluate the hair growth-promoting activity, saline, 50% ethanol, 3% minoxidil, and the L-U mixture were applied 2 times a day for a total of 14 days on the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice after depilation. Analysis was determined by using a high-resolution hair analysis system, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and H&E staining. RESULTS: On day 14, the hair growth effect of the L-U mixture was the same as that of the 3% minoxidil treatment. The L-U mixture significantly (P<0.05) stimulated hair growth-promoting genes, as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor -1. Increase of VEGF was observed in the L-U mixture group compared with minoxidil and the negative control. In contrast, the L-U mixture suppressed the expression of transforming growth factor-β1, which is the hair loss-related gene. In histological examination in the L-U mixture and minoxidil groups, the induction of an anagen stage of hair follicles was faster than that of control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the L-U mixture can promote hair growth in mice, similar to the effect from minoxidil, and suggests that there is potential application for hair loss treatments.

Effects of Early Cell Damage from Repetitive Intermittent Fever Exposure in Alopecia Progression and Evaluation of New Candidate Drugs: Ibuprofen, Menthol, and Cetirizine

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a very disturbing and expensive disorder in which the exact etiology is not known and it is yet to be treated completely well. Most alopecia patients exhibit some inflammation in the hair follicles regardless of the causes. The clinical symptoms of alopecia present very diversely while the prime symptom is local intermittent fever which are related to inflamed cells. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate how repetitive intermittent fever can damage the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and investigated the cytotoxic and proliferative effects after application of new candidate drugs (ibuprofen, menthol, cetirizine) for alopecia in comparison to minoxidil. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that ibuprofen, menthol, or/and cetirizine can prevent or slow down the damage of NHDF cells from intermittent fever in early alopecia. Aggressive preventative intervention with those drugs before complete destruction of hair follicle by excessive repetitive fever, is a very important step for alopecia therapy and these drugs are recommended as candidate drugs for alopecia in the future. CONCLUSION: Aggressive preventative intervention with drugs before complete destruction of hair follicles (NHDF cells) by excessive repetitive fever is a very important step for alopecia therapy or progression.

Monilethrix: a typical case report with microscopic and dermatoscopic findings

Monilethrix is a rare hereditary condition generally considered to be an autosomal dominant disorder with variable penetrance. A case of a 6-year-old girl without a familial background for this disease is reported. The diagnosis was made by optic microscopy and dermoscopy. A therapeutic trial with topical minoxidil was conducted.

Hair Growth Promoting Potential of Phospholipids Purified from Porcine Lung Tissues

BP201, porcine lung tissue-derived phospholipids, consists of phosphatidylcholine as a major phospholipid species. BP201 promoted hair growth after application onto the shaved backs of BALB/c and C3H mice. Its effect was enhanced when applied together with minoxidil (MNX) in C3H mice. When the tissue specimens prepared from the shaved skins of BP201-treated and control mice were microscopically examined, the total numbers of hair follicles in both anagen and telogen phases of BP201-treated mice were significantly higher than those of control mice. The numbers of hair follicles in the anagen phase of BP201-treated mice were also higher than those of control mice. In combination with MNX, BP201 further increased the total number of hair follicles, but did not alter the percentage of hair follicles in the anagenic phase. BP201 also increased the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells. Collectively, BP201 possesses hair growth promoting potential, which would suggest its use singly or in combination for hair growth products.

Effectiveness of the combinational treatment of Laminaria japonica and Cistanche tubulosa extracts in hair growth / 한국실험동물학회지

Since scalp hair loss has increased recently even in young people, seriously affecting individual's quality of life, the hair growth-stimulating effects of Laminaria japonica extract (LJE) and Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) were investigated. After confirming anagen phase of follicles under shaving, male C57BL/6 mice were dermally applied with 3% Minoxidil or orally administered with the combinations of LJE and CTE for 21 days. Minoxidil promoted the hair regrowth and increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. In addition, Minoxidil up-regulated epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Co-administration of LJE and CTE at 54 mg/kg LJE plus 162 mg/kg CTE exerted synergistic promoting effects on the hair regrowth, comparable to 3% Minoxidil. LJE preferentially enhanced ALP activity, while CTE increased both gamma-GTP and ALP activities as well as EGF and VEGF expressions. In vivo air pouch inflammation model, carrageenan-induced vascular exudation and increased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 concentrations in the exudates were synergistically suppressed by co-administration of LJE and CTE. In addition, inflammatory cell infiltration was substantially inhibited by the combinational treatment. The results suggest that combinational oral treatment with LJE and CTE in appropriate doses and ratios prevent hair loss and improve alopecia, which might be in part mediated by their anti-inflammatory activities.

Retrospective Pharmacotherapeutic Evaluation of Dutasteride not Approved by US FDA for Androgenetic Alopecia in Korea

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), one of alopecias, requires continuous treatment in order to prevent or stop it, and patient's compliance is very important. Currently, only two drugs (finasteride, minoxidil) have been approved for AGA by Food and Drug Administration of United States (US FDA). However, another alpha-2 reductase inhibitor, dutasteride, is approved by Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) through a phase III trial. For treatment, pharmacotherapy of AGA usually combines topical minoxidil 7% with one of oral alpha-2 reductase inhibitor. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the comparative efficacy and adverse effect between topical minoxidil 7%/finasteride 1 mg and topical minoxidil 7%/dutasteride 0.5 mg pharmacotherapy for outpatients with AGA. Also we evaluated the relationship between therapeutic effect and regular hospital visit. METHOD: This study was performed retrospectively based on electronic medical record (EMR) data of total 98 patients (topical minoxidil 7% with dutasteride 0.5 mg (Avodart(R)) or finasteride 1 mg (Alopecia(R), Propecia(R)) with diagnosis of AGA from department of dermatology at a secondary hospital from January 1st, to May 31st, 2014. RESULTS: The efficacy and adverse event of topical minoxidil 7%/dutasteride 0.5 mg (DUTA group) were 100% and 45.7%, and of topical minoxidil 7%/finasteride 1 mg (FINA group) were 92.1% and 33.3%, respectively. The mean onset time of responses and adverse events in the FINA group were 3.86 months and 4.43 months. Those in the DUTA group were 3.97 months and 5.06 months. CONCLUSION: Both FINA and DUTA group were highly effective, but the DUTA group showed higher efficacy and adverse effects than those in the FINA group. Dutasteride may be another alternative in AGA treatment.

[Androgenetic alopecia]

Androgenetic alopecia is an extremely common disorder affecting 70% of men and 40% of women in their life. Men present with gradual thinning in the temporal areas, producing a reshaping of the anterior part of the hairline and progress to vertex balding. Women with androgenetic alopecia usually present with diffuse thinning on the crown. Only 2 drugs [minoxidil and finasteride] currently have FDA-approved indications for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Due to the frequency and the often significant impairment of life perceived by the affected patients, diagnosis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia is particularly important. This article briefly reviews the definition, diagnosis and treatment options of androgenetic alopecia