AGA Guidelines

There is a large void when it comes to guidelines for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, specifically FPHL. In this final lesson, we bring it all together, with recently published 2025 guidelines that help to fill that void and provide worldwide guidance, reflecting common practice in the UK and elsewhere.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Some clinicians swear by it, others have had a less favourable experience with it. So, what’s the low-down on PRP for FPHL?

Low Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT)

Everyone’s talking about it. But should we be recommending it? And if so, which devices? How often? Let’s review the recent evidence.

Low Dose Oral Minoxidil (LDOM)

There is a lot of hype around LDOM and it is increasingly used for all types of alopecia. But, what doses should we use? Do we need to monitor it? And what are the side effects? We summarise the evidence here.

When should we do blood tests? Which tests? And how?

This lesson summarises consensus views on blood tests for FPHL and how to do testing when required. Based on dermatology as well as endocrinological guidelines and papers, we bring summarise the salient points.

Today on Dermatology Snapshots, we are looking at the New England Journal of Medicine 2025 Clinical Practice review on Female-Pattern Hair Loss by Dr. Elise Olsen. It’s a condition that affects up to 12% of women in their thirties, and over half of women over seventy.

We’re launching a ‘mini-snaps’ series where we delve deep into particular topics and summarise the latest evidence and guidelines, through a handpicked search of the most relevant papers. This series, Root Cause, is all about alopecia. We're starting with the incredibly common, female pattern hair loss. On our website, you’ll find videos, handouts and lots of helpful resources.

But today, we kick off the series with a look at hair through history.

Dermatology Snapshots is sponsored by a educational grant from Abbivie. Feedback always welcome.

In this issue:

• TSPOT test for Mycobacterium marinum
• Imiquimod for lentigo maligna - what does the evidence say?
• Cognitive biases in clinical practice
• Histiocytoid Sweet’s Syndrome - an overview

Antiandrogens for FPHL

This can be quite a confusing topic, with a number of treatments now available and limited experience for most clinicians with these medications. But their use is becoming much more common and patients are increasingly asking about these medications. So let’s summarise things.

Dermatology Snapshots is sponsored by a educational grant from Abbivie. Feedback always welcome.

• Treatment algorithms for androgenetic alopecia
• Is MTX drug survival increased with SC MTX vs Oral?
• What are the main skin features of Still’s Disease?
• GLP-1 receptor agonists and hair loss
• Metformin and doxycycline for HS: an RCT
• Identifying patients at high risk of myeloproliferative disorders in aquagenic pruritus