From the Research
The best treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) typically involves a combination of topical and systemic therapies, with 5-α-reductase inhibitors, intralesional steroids, and hydroxychloroquine having the highest level of evidence for treating FFA, as reported in the most recent study 1.
Treatment Options
- First-line treatment usually includes topical minoxidil 5% solution applied once or twice daily to affected areas, along with potent topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate 0.05% applied daily for several weeks, then tapered to maintenance use.
- For more severe cases, oral medications are often necessary, with finasteride (2.5-5mg daily) or dutasteride (0.5mg daily) being effective options, especially in postmenopausal women, as supported by studies 2, 3.
- Hydroxychloroquine (200-400mg daily) may be prescribed for its anti-inflammatory properties, with results typically seen after 6-12 months of treatment.
- Intralesional corticosteroid injections (triamcinolone acetonide 5-10mg/ml) can be administered every 4-6 weeks for active, inflamed areas, as recommended in the literature 4, 5.
Important Considerations
- It's essential to discontinue practices that may worsen the condition, such as tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, and excessive heat styling.
- Treatment should begin as early as possible since hair loss from FFA is generally permanent, and therapy aims to halt progression rather than regrow lost hair.
- Regular follow-up appointments every 3-6 months are recommended to monitor treatment response and adjust therapy as needed, as suggested in the studies 1, 5.