Final answer:
The most effective solutions for patients with new onset and smaller areas of hair loss include medications like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil.
Step-by-step explanation:
For patients with new onset and smaller areas of hair loss, the most effective solutions include medications such as finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil. These medications have been shown to be more successful in preventing further hair loss rather than regrowing lost hair.
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is widely used for the treatment of hair loss. It has been proven to promote hair growth in both men and women with androgenic alopecia, with about 40% of men experiencing hair regrowth after 3-6 months of use. However, it's important to note that increased hair loss has been reported as a side effect.
Other medications like ketoconazole, spironolactone, and flutamide may also be prescribed depending on the specific condition and underlying causes of hair loss. Combinations of finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole have been found to be more effective than individual use.