Abstract

ALOPECIA AKA BALDNESS: A REVIEW ON CAUSES, DRUGS TO TREAT IT AND SYNTHESIS THERE OF

Shubham Mahadik, Suruchi Ojha, Chandan Chandna and *Manjinder Singh Gill

ABSTRACT

Baldness, or alopecia, is a condition characterized by hair loss from the scalp or other parts of the body, affecting both men and women. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, autoimmune disorders, stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications. Androgenetic alopecia, the most common type, is influenced by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that predominantly affects men, while alopecia areata involves autoimmune mechanisms. Other forms of hair loss include telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, and cicatricial alopecia. Hair growth follows a cycle comprising of four phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Disruptions in this cycle lead to different types of hair loss. Various factors such as poor nutrition (e.g., deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins), hormonal changes (involving androgens and estrogen), and stress play significant roles in altering hair growth/loss. Pharmacological treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride and RU58841, surgical interventions such as hair transplants, and non-medical options like wigs and cosmetic solutionsare commonly used to manage baldness. Understanding the pathophysiology, types, and contributing factors of alopecia is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Ongoing research into the molecular mechanisms and psychological effects of hair loss continues to provide new therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: Baldness, Alopecia, Hair loss, Androgenetic alopecia, DHT, Hair growth cycle, Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, Hair transplant, Autoimmune, Stress, Nutritional deficiency.