Dermatológia pre prax 2/2011

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a special type of alopecia in which there is miniaturization of the pilosebaceous follicles of the scalp. The onset of the disease depends on the presence of the androgen dihydrotestosterone and its penetration to the follicular target organ. As these conditions are genetically determined, this type of alopecia is called alopecia androgenetica. The pathophysiology of the disease is not yet fully elucidated. Although it does not cause direct physical harm it has often individual psychological negative effect.

Keywords: androgenetic alopecia, pilosebaceous follicle, dihydrotestosterone, minoxidil, finasteride