Glossary

Acne
is an inflammatory disease which affects the sebaceous glands of the skin Alopecia Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss or baldness in general.

Alopecia
the medically accepted term for baldness

Alopecia Areata
is the medical term for hairloss which occurs in patches on the scalp.

Alopecia Totalis
is is a term for hairloss which occurs over the entire scalp.

Alopecia Universalis
is her term for hairloss which occurs over the entire body.

Anagen
is the growing phase of the hair cycle which lasts about seven years in a healthy person.

Androgenic Alopecia
is the term for male or female pattern baldness which is determined by the genetic predisposition of the hair follicles, hereditary factors and the levels of DHT in the body.

Androgens
are often referred to as male hormones.

Antiandrogen
blocks the effects of androgens, normally by blocking the receptor sites.

Azelaic Acid (pron az-uh-LAY-ic)
like Retin-A is more commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. The potential effect of using azelaic acid in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia has been looked at and discussed. It is a simple molecule ( HOOC(CH2)7COOH, CAS Number 123-99-9, also known as 1,9-Nonanedioic acid). Found in some whole grains and in trace amounts in human bodies. Extremely weak acid - much weaker than vinegar. Reports suggest that azelaic acid is a strong type I 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) inhibitor.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasma
is an enlargement of the prostrate gland.

Catagen
phase is the resting phase of the hair cycle.

Cortex
is the main structure of the hair shaft. The cortex determines the colour and texture of the hair.

Cyproterone Acetate
drug is normally used to reduce sex drive in men who have an excessive sex drive. It is also prescribed to treat hirsuitism and androgenetic alopecia in women.

Dermal papilla
is situated at the base of the hair follicle. The dermal papilla contains nerves and blood vessels which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin.

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
is a male hormone that is suggested to be the main cause for the miniaturisation of the hair follicle and for hair loss. DHT is formed when the male hormone testosterone meets and interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

Finasteride
an antiandrogen drug which acts by inhibiting type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is marketed under the brand name Proscar Propecia, Fincar, Finpecia, Finax, Finast, Finara, Finalo, Prosteride, Gefina, Finasterid IVAX and others. Proscar was the first marketed and approved version of the drug and has been manufactured by Merck and since 1992 for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. Since Dec 1997, 1mg tablets of finasteride have been marketed under the FDA approved brand name Propecia, as a treatment for hair loss. It has since been registered in many other countries for male-pattern baldness.

FDA
Food and Drug administration. An agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA "....intensifies efforts to ensure the safety of America’s food supply, and to make safe, effective, and affordable medical products available to the public, whether imported or made in the USA".

Grafting
Surgical method where basically, after a series of steps, a section of hair-bearing scalp is removed from the lower back of the head and transplanted to the balding area.

Keratin
is the main protein that forms hair and nails.

Gene Therapy
is a treatment method which involves the manipulation of and individuals genetic makeup.

Hamilton / Norwood
a graphic scale representing the extent of hair loss / recession of alopecia androgenetica in males


Ludwig Staging
a graphic representation of the severity of alopecia androgenetica in women, originally published in 1977 in the British Journal of Dermatology

Male Pattern baldness
A genetic predisposition to lose hair at the crown or front portion of the scalp, usually caused by the male hormone testosterone. It is prevalent in both males and females.

Minoxidil
is the generic name of the brand name drug Rogain. Rogain is manufactured by Upjohn and is FDA approved for the treatment hair loss. Minoxidil is available in the form of a topical lotion with varying strength from 2% to 5%. Minoxidil was the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Medulla
The medulla is a central zone of cells present only in large thick hairs.

Retin-A or Tretinoin
is a brand name for a topical gel or cream normally used in the treatment if acne.

Saw Palmetto
A Natural Herb That has been shown to be an effective antiandrogen.

Scalp reduction
A procedure that removes bald scalp and brings the hair-bearing scalp closer together. Scalp reduction is most often used in patients with posterior baldness.

Scleroderma
A disease of the skin and connective tissue that can cause hair loss over the affected areas.

Sprionolactone
is a drug normally used to treat high blood pressure, however is also acts as an antiandrogen and is used in the treatment of androgen related disorders such as female pattern baldness and hirsuitism. Telogen This refers to the shedding or falling phase of the hair cycle.

Terminal hair
Large, heavy pigmented hairs with a central medulla.

Testosterone
A predominantly male hormone which promotes the development of male characteristics.

Topically
Means to apply directly onto the scalp.

Traction Alopecia
refers to hair loss which occurs do to traction place on hair. Traction alopecia can be seen with braids, pony tails and other hairstyles which create tension on the scalp.

Vellous hair
is very short, fine light coloured hairs.