Final answer:
Alopecia is managed with key treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo, sometimes in combination. These treatments work better for preventing further loss than regrowing hair, and success rates can vary. Medication use should be guided by a healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alopecia, commonly known as hair loss, is managed using various medications with moderate success. The primary treatments include finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil, which have been shown to be somewhat effective in preventing further hair loss and in some cases, promoting hair regrowth, particularly in male pattern baldness. About 40% of men may experience hair regrowth after 3-6 months of using minoxidil. Ketoconazole shampoo is often used in conjunction with oral 5α-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride or dutasteride, especially for treating androgenic alopecia. This shampoo has an off-label use to treat hair loss.
Furthermore, combination therapy using finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole may provide better results than using each medication individually. In cases of female androgenic alopecia, other medications such as spironolactone and flutamide may also be used. It's important to note that treatments vary based on the type of alopecia and its progression, thus a healthcare provider should be consulted for a personalized treatment plan. Moreover, hair loss due to radiation therapy is typically limited to the area exposed to radiation.