Androgenetic alopecia in women and men: Italian guidelines adapted from European Dermatology Forum/European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology guidelines

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women in the course of their life. AGA is caused by a progressive reduction in the diameter, length and pigmentation of the hair, resulting from the effects of the testosterone metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on androgen-sensitive hair follicles. Clinical presentation is different in men and women. Trichoscopy is used routinely in patients with androgenetic alopecia, for diagnosis and differential diagnosis with other diseases, allowing staging of severity and monitoring the progress of the disease and the response to treatment. Medical treatment of AGA includes topical minoxidil, antiandrogen agents, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and many other options. This guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia has been developed by an Italian group of experts taking into account the Italian pharmacological governance. The article is adapted from the original of the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) in collaboration with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). It summarizes evidence-based and expert-based recommendations (S3 level).