Antiandrogen therapy for the treatment of female pattern hair loss
A Clinical Review published in JAAD highlighted the efficacy of current antiandrogen treatments, including finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone, for female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Finasteride is FDA-approved for male androgenetic alopecia at 1 mg/day. A double-blind study of postmenopausal women found this dosage ineffective for FPHL. Dosages of 2.5-5 mg/d were more efficacious. In a retrospective study evaluating dutasteride (0.15 mg/day) vs. finasteride (1.25 mg/day) in FPHL patients, 83.3% had increased hair thickness with dutasteride after three years. In a randomized trial, 2% minoxidil and 100 mg/day spironolactone was more effective than 2% minoxidil and 5 mg/day finasteride for FPHL.
The authors also reviewed hormonal oral contraceptives, bicalutamide, topical antiandrogens, among others. They recommend starting treatment with topical minoxidil, noting that topical antiandrogens, including finasteride or spironolactone may be compounded with minoxidil for increased efficacy. They also recommend finasteride (2.5-5-mg/day) or dutasteride (0.5-mg/day) for postmenopausal patients.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei — A Simon and Garfunkel playlist
The year before his death, William Tilbury Fox (1836-1879) described what is now known as lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei (LMDF) in a Lancet publication titled “Disseminated follicular lupus (simulating acne).” LMDF is an idiopathic granulomatous disease predominantly affecting facial skin, particularly the eyelids. Although the disorder shares overlapping features with rosacea and sarcoidosis, it is considered a disease sui generis. Most cases resolve spontaneously within several years but can leave potentially disfiguring scarring if not treated early. This commentary reviews the latest literature on LMDF. Keep reading!
Academy mourns the passing of Neil Swanson, MD
The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of Neil Swanson, MD, former vice president of the Academy. Dr. Swanson was a highly respected member of both the AAD and the Dermatology Foundation. He served as vice president of the AAD from 2002 to 2003 and as a member of the Board of Directors from 1995 to 1999.
Dr. Swanson was renowned for his expertise in the treatment of skin cancers, particularly complex cases requiring Mohs surgery, and he was widely recognized as a leader in his field. His dedication to advancing dermatology extended beyond patient care through his mentorship of 35 fellows, many of whom have become influential leaders in academic medicine and clinical practice around the world.
In honor of Dr. Swanson’s legacy, a donation to Camp Discovery has been made on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Academy mourns the passing of Franklin Pass, MD
The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of Franklin Pass, MD, secretary-treasurer of the Academy from 1980 to 1982. Dr. Pass, a pioneer in the fields of dermatology, biotech, and medical research, had a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking discoveries and a deep commitment to improving human health.
After serving as a captain in the Army stationed in Tokyo during the Vietnam War, Dr. Pass joined the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where he conducted cancer research. Dr. Pass continued his research at the University of Minnesota while establishing a successful dermatology practice. His research led him to co-found one of the first genetic engineering companies and he was also involved in several startups.
In honor of Dr. Pass’s legacy, a donation to Camp Discovery has been made on behalf of the Board of Directors.
How effective are monotherapies for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Authors of an article published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment explored the relative efficacy and safety of monotherapies for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The researchers determined the efficacy of each of the three FDA-approved HS monotherapies was not significantly different in terms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response-50 (HiSCR-50): Bimekizumab 320 mg every two weeks was not significantly different from adalimumab 160 mg at baseline then 80 mg after two weeks then 40 mg every week.
[HS experts discuss the latest therapeutic and procedural updates. Read more.]
Similarly, the efficacy of secukinumab 300 mg weekly for four weeks then every four weeks did not significantly differ from that of adalimumab 160 mg at baseline then 80 mg after two weeks then 40 mg every week. Secukinumab 300 mg weekly for four weeks then every four weeks did not significantly differ from bimekizumab 320 mg every two weeks. According to the authors, FDA-approved regimens were significantly more efficacious than some non-FDA-approved ones.
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