A Review on Drug Induced Alopecia

Alopecia is a very common problem today that can affect anyone while hair loss might be caused by various things. Like hormonal imbalances, drug side effects, etc. Drug induced alopecia may be partial or whole. The extent of hair loss depends upon dosage of medication. Medications like chemotherapeutic drugs, steroids, contraceptive pills, etc. cause drug induced alopecia. The signs include hair thinning, increase in shed hair in pillows, hair brushes, shower drains. Drug induced alopecia can be diagnosed by hair pull test, Scalp analysis, Scalp biopsy. It can be treated by Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia).