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An epidemiological study of androgenic alopecia in 3114 K orean patients
Author(s) -
Yeo I. K.,
Jang W. S.,
Min P. K.,
Cho H. R.,
Cho S. W.,
Hong N. S.,
Kang J. S.,
Ki D. H.,
Kim H. J.,
Kim Y. C.,
Kim Y. S.,
Lee I. J.,
Lee S. W.,
Lim E. S.,
Moon D. C.,
Nam K. H.,
Oho C. K.,
Park S. W.,
Shin K. S.,
Yoo H. C.,
Hong C. K.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.12229
Subject(s) - hair loss , family history , medicine , epidemiology , vellus hair , scalp , hair dyes , dermatology , age of onset , alopecia areata , disease , chemistry , organic chemistry , dyeing
Summary Background Androgenetic alopecia ( AGA ) is the most common type of hair loss, and is characterized by the transformation of terminal scalp hair into vellus hair. The epidemiology of AGA is not fully understood. A strong genetic basis has long been identified, although little is known of its nongenetic causes. Aim To evaluate the association of AGA with a number of environmental factors, including smoking, drinking and sleeping habit. Methods In total, 3114 K orean individuals with AGA who attended any one of 17 dermatology clinics in 6 cities in S outh K orea between M arch 2011 and F ebruary 2012 were enrolled in the study. Epidemiologic a data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Results No association was seen between eating or sleeping habits and severity of hair loss. However, drinking and smoking were associated with the severity of AGA in male patients. We also found that patients of both genders with a family history had more advanced types of hair loss, and the age of onset of AGA in male patients with a family history was earlier than that in male patients without a family history. Conclusions Although the evidence for an environmental influence on AGA remains very weak, we did find an association between hair loss severity and certain environmental factors, such as smoking and drinking. Family history with more severe hair loss and an earlier age of onset.