What Is Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) And its Treatment

Diffuse Patterned Alopecia

Diffused Patterned Alopecia (DPA) is a type of Androgenic Alopecia affecting both men and women, characterized by diffused hair thinning in the front and at the vertex of the scalp. Unlike Male Pattern Baldness, Diffused Patterned Alopecia does not follow the hair loss patterns defined by the Norwood Scale. Diffuse Patterned Alopecia in women also does not follow the patterns defined by the Ludwig Scale. Rather, it follows a diffused pattern of hair thinning in specific areas of the scalp, including temporal region, hairline, vertex area and top of the scalp. However, like a typical androgenic alopecia case, DPA patients also preserve the stable “permanent zone” at the sides and back of the scalp. Continue reading to know more about Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) and treatment.

Causes of Diffuse Patterned Alopecia

Just like Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), Diffuse Patterned Alopecia is also a type of hereditary hair loss that usually runs in the family. Like a typical androgenic alopecia case, the most widely accepted cause of diffused alopecia is also Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a byproduct of testosterone, male reproductive hormone. Hair loss experts believe that excessive production of androgens called DHT starts attacking hair follicles in the scalp, resulting in gradual hair thinning. But it is not the only cause. There are several other factors as well that can trigger patterned hair thinning in men and women.

Treatment for Diffuse Patterned Alopecia

Like any other type of hair loss, DPA is also a very much treatable condition. There are numerous treatments available to counter diffused hair thinning in both men and women, especially in its initial stage. The condition responds well to medical hair loss treatments.

Medicines for Diffuse Patterned Alopecia

Two most commonly recommended medications for DPA include Minoxidil and Finasteride.

  • Minoxidil for Diffuse Pattern Alopecia: It is a hair growth stimulant that is used to slow balding and regrow lost hair. It is an FDA-approved over the counter topical application available in 2%, 4%, and 5% concentration. It can be used for treating hair loss in both men and women. The regular application of Minoxidil for 3 to 4 months is required to see any favorable results.
  • Finasteride for Diffuse Patterned Baldness: It is a prescription medicine that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating all types of the androgenic alopecia in men. It is an oral pill that is considered to be more effective than Minoxidil. However, it is not recommended for women, as it can cause permanent infertility in them.

The aforementioned medicines have shown promising results in treating Diffuse Patterned Alopecia, but their results are not lasting. Hair thinning returns as soon as the use of medicines is discontinued. Besides that these medicines can also cause some serious side effects in their consumers. This is the reason most people are reluctant to use Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair Transplant surgery is also an option for DPA patients. If you have significant diffused hair thinning and you are seeking an effective and permanent solution, go get a Hair Transplant done and restore a fuller head of lush hair. The follicular Unit Extraction technique is mostly used for transplanting hair in the case of Diffuse Pattern Alopecia.

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Written By: Dr. Cagatay Sezgin

Dr. Cagatay Sezgin is a celebrity hair transplant surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hair transplantation and restoration. He is the First Turkish Board Surgeon to become a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and the Asian Association of Hair Transplant Surgeons (AAHRS). Moreover, he has the honor of becoming the first hair transplant surgeon in the world to perform hair, eyebrow, and beard transplantation all in one case and that too in a single session.

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