A Clinical Study of Androgenetic Alopecia

Kang, Hyo Joon; Kang, Seung Hoon; Lee, Sang Seok; Cho, Si Hyung; Park, Sung Wook

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common type of alopecia among all men and women after puberty. The number of patients with AGA appears to be gradually increasing. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical status such as age, family history, and type of patients with AGA and to review recent Korean literature. METHODS: 1500 patients with AGA who had visited the Department of Dermatology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine during the last 7 years (from May 1997 through December 2003) were examined through the clinical records. RESULTS: 1) There were 1162 male and 338 female patients being most prevalent in the third decade in both sexes. 2) In males AGA, Norwood-Hamilton's type II was the most common. 3) In females AGA, Ludwig's type I was the most common. 4) There was a family history of baldness in 62.9% of relatives in male patients and 48.8% in female patients. 5) The largest number of patients with AGA first visited our department when they had had 1-5 year's history of AGA in both sexes. 6) In the management of male AGA, oral finasteride only or with topical medications was the most common (72.4%) treatment modality. 7) In the management of female AGA, topical minoxidil solution only or with other topical medications was the most common (78.7%) treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of young patients with mild types appears to be high among AGA patients. It might be largely due to psychological stress in social situations.