Topical immunotherapies

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss and arises from androgen-dependent hair follicle miniaturization on the scalp. Several studies have suggested that follicular microinflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of AGA. However, to date, no immune modulatory therapies have been investigated for use in AGA alone. Topical prostaglandinanalogs may be used for the treatment of AGA alone. Other immune modulatory therapies, including topical irritants and sensitizers and topical and intralesional steroids, are only indicated for AGA patients with comorbid alopecia areata or cicatricial alopecia. In this chapter, we discuss the use of topical and intralesional immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of AA or FFA that may present in concert with AGA.