Drugs and cosmetic products available for patients suffering from alopecia

Alopecia, or hair loss, is a complex problem that can affect the quality of life of sufferers. After some historical background, this article looks at the possible causes of hair loss. The causes of such dysfunction are numerous and correspond to extremely diverse situations. It may be due to a fungus, cancer chemotherapy, the aftermath of pregnancy, trichotillomania, or aggressive styling practices. Treatment options are specific to each individual situation: ringworm, for example, is treated with an antifungal agent, while in the case of trichotillomania, a so-called habit reversal therapy can be implemented. Androgenetic alopecia remains the most frequent form, and is treated with inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase, a key enzyme in this situation. Last but not least, cosmetic products can play an important role in the overall treatment of patients, as there are currently a number of leave-in products (lotions) and shampoos on the market that are specifically designed for people suffering from this condition. The main active ingredients found in these products are group B vitamins, quinine extracts and citrus essential oils. Their efficacy has not been fully demonstrated, and adverse effects such as papulovesicular dermatitis and photosensitization have been identified with cinchona extract in particular.