この記事の概要
Cases exist, although they are relatively rare, in which a patient has attended an AGA clinic but did not actually have AGA (male pattern baldness). There are multiple causes of hair loss, and not all of them are necessarily caused by AGA. Therefore, there are cases in which hair loss is diagnosed as AGA but is actually due to other causes. The following is an explanation of causes of hair loss other than AGA and possible cases of misdiagnosis.
1. The difference between AGA and other alopecia
AGA is a progressive alopecia caused by male hormones (especially dihydrotestosterone: DHT) and is characterized by thinning of hair mainly in the frontal and parietal areas. However, other alopecia can cause symptoms similar to AGA, requiring careful judgment in diagnosis.
2. Example of a case that was not AGA
(1) Alopecia areata
- Characteristics: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which hair falls out in a circular or irregular pattern; unlike AGA, it is a sudden loss of hair in parts and can affect the entire scalp and body hair.
- Difference from AGA: Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles and has a completely different cause than AGA. Treatment methods are also different, and if misdiagnosed, appropriate treatment may not be provided.
(2) Telogen Effluvium
- Characteristics: This is a condition in which hair temporarily falls out in large quantities due to intense stress, illness, poor nutrition, or hormonal changes. Usually, hair grows back once the stress or cause is resolved.
- Difference from AGA: Resting alopecia is characterized by the rapid loss of hair in response to stress or changes in physical condition, and differs from the slowly progressive hair loss of AGA.
(3) Seborrheic Alopecia (hair loss )
- Characteristics: This type of alopecia is characterized by excessive sebum secretion from the scalp, which causes inflammation of the hair follicles and progressive hair loss. It is often accompanied by dandruff and itching of the scalp.
- Difference from AGA: Caused by abnormal sebum secretion and inflammation, which may be improved by appropriate scalp care and treatment.
(4) Traction Alopecia (Traction Alopecia)
- Characteristics: This is a condition in which the hair follicles are stressed by pulling the hair tightly (e.g., in a tight ponytail or braid), causing certain areas of the hair to fall out.
- Difference from AGA: Because it is caused by external forces, it can be treated by changing the hairstyle or reducing physical stress.
(5) Hair loss due to nutritional deficiency or anemia
- Characteristics: Deficiency of nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and zinc inhibit hair growth and cause overall hair loss.
- Difference from AGA: Because it is caused by nutritional deficiency, it can often be improved by nutritional supplementation and improved diet.
3. Diagnosis and possible misdiagnosis at an AGA specialist clinic
In many cases, AGA clinics diagnose the cause of hair loss as AGA, but other alopecia may be misdiagnosed as AGA. Possible causes of misdiagnosis include the following
- Short consultation time: AGA may be determined without fully reviewing the patient’s hair condition, lifestyle, and medical history.
- Lack of detailed examination of the scalp and hair follicles: Judgments based solely on the general progression of hair loss without a detailed examination of the trichoscan and hair follicles can lead to misdiagnosis.
- Overlooking other diseases: alopecia due to external factors such as stress or immune disorders may not be considered.
4. How to deal with it
If not AGA, the following steps are recommended
(1) Consult another physician or specialist.
It is important to seek a second opinion from another dermatologist or hair loss clinic and discuss other causes of hair loss besides AGA.
(2) Undergo necessary inspections
It is important to undergo blood tests and a thorough examination of the scalp (including microscopic examination of the scalp and confirmation of the hair growth cycle) to consider possibilities other than AGA.
(3) Review lifestyle and nutrition
If stress or poor diet is the cause, lifestyle changes may help prevent or restore hair loss.
5. Summary
If you have been to an AGA clinic but do not actually have AGA, the cause may be alopecia areata, telogenetic alopecia, nutritional deficiencies, or traction alopecia. If a misdiagnosis is suspected, it is important to consult another specialist and undergo appropriate tests to determine the cause of hair loss.
