Welcome to the final episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast for 2024, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a leading dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan dives into the complex relationship between alopecia areata and cardiovascular risk, exploring recent studies that offer conflicting conclusions. Dr. Donovan reviews a notable study published in JAD International, which leverages the All of Us Research Program database to investigate whether alopecia areata patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The study reveals intriguing findings, suggesting a potential link with chronic kidney disease and hyperlipidemia, but not with heart disease. As the podcast unfolds, Dr. Donovan discusses the broader implications of these findings, the need for long-term studies, and the ongoing debate in the medical community. He also invites listeners to a special event celebrating the top 20 studies of 2024. Join Dr. Donovan as he navigates through the complexities of hair loss research, empowering practitioners and patients alike with evidence-based insights. For more information on the Donovan Hair Academy's programs, visit their website.     STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Ambika Nohria, Jill T Shah, Deesha Desai, Lina Alhanshali, Jenne Ingrassia, Alisa Femia, Michael Garshick, Jerry Shapiro, Kristen I Lo Sicco. Alopecia areata and cardiovascular comorbidities: A cross-sectional analysis of the All of Us research program. JAAD Int. 2024 Apr 8:16:46-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.024. eCollection 2024 Sep.   Lee et al. Alopecia areata is not a risk factor for heart diseases: A 10-year retrospective cohort study. PLoS One. 2021.Conic RRZ et al. Prevalence of cardiac and metabolic diseases among patients with alopecia areata. JEADV 2021  

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, Dr. Donovan explores a groundbreaking study published in the journal Curious, highlighting the effectiveness of the JAK1 inhibitor, upadacitinib, in treating recalcitrant dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. Dissecting cellulitis, a challenging form of scarring alopecia, often affects males and presents with debilitating symptoms. While traditional treatments like isotretinoin and antibiotics offer relief for some, they aren't always effective. The study discusses a case where upadacitinib brought significant improvement after conventional options were exhausted. Dr. Donovan provides a comprehensive overview of the study, emphasizing the potential of JAK inhibitors as third-line treatments in managing persistent dissecting cellulitis. He also shares insights on the broader implications for future research and treatment strategies. Join Dr. Donovan next week for an analysis of a study on alopecia areata and cardiovascular comorbidities, and don't miss the annual "Top 20 of 2024" event on December 30th. For more information about the Donovan Hair Academy's programs, visit their website.     STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Zahidul Islam, Michelle Toker, Isha M Gandhi, Ariel Sher, Kristina Campto. Improvement of Recalcitrant Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp After a Trial of Upadacitinib. Cureus . 2024 Jan 16;16(1):e52377. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52377. eCollection 2024 Jan.  

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, we delve into an intriguing study titled "Dupilumab Induces Hair Regrowth in Pediatric Alopecia Areata," which explores the potential of dupilumab as a treatment for children suffering from both alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. Dr. Donovan discusses the study's findings, highlighting how dupilumab has shown promise in improving hair growth in this unique patient population. With a good safety profile, dupilumab emerges as a viable option alongside JAK inhibitors for managing these conditions. The episode also covers the study's methodology and results, emphasizing the significant reduction in SALT scores among the participants. Join Dr. Donovan as he shares insights into the complexities of treating pediatric alopecia areata and the potential of dupilumab to offer new hope for patients and clinicians alike. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll explore the use of upadacitinib in managing dissecting cellulitis.     STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Eden David, Neda Shokrian, Ester Del Duca, Marguerite Meariman, Jacob Glickman, Sabrina Ghalili, Seungyeon Jung, Kathryn Tan, Benjamin Ungar, Emma Guttman-Yassky. Dupilumab induces hair regrowth in pediatric alopecia areata: a real-world, single-center observational study. Arch Dermatol Res . 2024 Jul 23;316(7):487. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-03225-4.  

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is committed to educating both the public and practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs. In this episode, Dr. Donovan dives into an intriguing study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, which examines the use of topical metformin 10% cream in treating Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). This scarring alopecia primarily affects Black women and is often underdiagnosed. The study highlights a case where topical metformin showed promise in hair regrowth for a patient unresponsive to traditional treatments. Dr. Donovan discusses the potential of topical metformin as a second-line treatment option alongside oral metformin, PRP, and JAK inhibitors, while emphasizing the importance of first-line treatments such as steroid injections and topical steroids. He also addresses the challenges of compounding metformin in various formulations, which can affect its efficacy. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Dr. Donovan will explore new research on alopecia areata and dupilumab. Join us as we continue to unravel the complexities of hair loss and discover innovative treatments that could benefit patients worldwide.   STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE   Bárbara Vieira Granja et al. Treatment of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia with topical metformin 10% cream: case report and literature review. Int J Dermatol . 2024 Jun 23. doi: 10.1111/ijd.17345. Online ahead of print

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating the public and training practitioners in the complex field of hair loss. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study from JAMA Dermatology that examines the effects of low-dose metformin on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). The study reveals intriguing changes in gene expression that could offer new insights into treating this underdiagnosed condition, primarily affecting black women. Despite the study's small size and retrospective nature, the findings highlight metformin's potential role in modifying pathways related to scarring alopecia and hair growth. Dr. Donovan emphasizes the need for further research to understand metformin's efficacy and optimal dosing for CCCA patients. Join us next week as Dr. Donovan discusses the use of metformin cream in CCCA, continuing the exploration of innovative treatments in hair loss management. Stay informed and empowered to engage in meaningful discussions with hair loss practitioners.     STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Aaron Bao et al. Low-Dose Metformin and Profibrotic Signature in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia. JAMA Dermatol . 2024 Sep 4:e243062. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3062. Online ahead of print.  

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, which explores the potential association between hair loss and the use of popular weight loss medications, such as semaglutide and terzepatide. Dr. Donovan discusses the methodology and findings of the study, which utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System to analyze reports of alopecia linked to these drugs. The episode highlights the importance of post-marketing research in uncovering side effects not initially apparent in clinical trials. Join Dr. Donovan as he explains the statistical technique of disproportionality analysis used in the study, and its implications for understanding the potential hair loss risks associated with these medications. The episode also emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the timing, mechanism, and prevalence of hair loss among different patient groups. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Dr. Donovan will explore the effects of metformin on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, based on a recent study in JAMA Dermatology. Thank you for tuning in and supporting the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, dedicated to advancing education and research in the complex world of hair loss.   STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE   Hannah Godfrey, Zachary Leibovit-Reiben, Patrick Jedlowski, Rebecca Thiede. Alopecia associated with the use of semaglutide and tirzepatide: A disproportionality analysis using the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) from 2022 to 2023. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol . 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1111/jdv.20197. Online ahead of print.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating both the public and hair loss practitioners about the complexities of hair loss. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study from JAAD Case Reports, which explores the potential benefits of the diabetes drug terzepatide for treating androgenetic alopecia. This groundbreaking case report suggests that medications targeting insulin resistance could offer new strategies for hair growth. Join Dr. Donovan as he breaks down the study, discusses the implications of using GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists for hair loss, and highlights the importance of understanding the metabolic connections to androgenetic alopecia. Discover how these findings could pave the way for novel treatment approaches and what it means for patients worldwide. Whether you're a practitioner, researcher, or someone affected by hair loss, this episode provides insightful perspectives on the future of hair loss treatment. Tune in to learn more about the potential of terzepatide and similar medications in addressing hair loss challenges.     STUDY REFERENCED Gordon E, Musleh S,  Bordone LA. Treatment of insulin resistance with tirzepatide leading to improvement of hair loss. JAAD Case Rep . 2024 Jun 11:50:123-125. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.06.001. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, we delve into a crucial study exploring the unexpected side effects of steroid injections used in treating alopecia areata, particularly focusing on central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). This condition, characterized by fluid accumulation beneath the retina, can lead to vision problems and retinal detachment. Dr. Donovan reviews a compelling paper published in JAAD Case Reports, highlighting two cases where patients developed CSC after receiving steroid injections for hair loss. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing blurry vision as a potential warning sign and the need for immediate consultation with an eye specialist. Join us as we discuss the implications of this study for hair loss specialists and the necessity of ongoing research to better understand the risks associated with long-term steroid use. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we'll explore the role of tirzepatide in androgenetic hair loss treatment.   STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Deesha Desai, Ambika Nohria, Lina Alhanshali, Michael Buontempo, Kristen I Lo Sicco, Craig Fern, Jerry Shapiro. Central serous chorioretinopathy after scalp and eyebrow intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections: Report of two cases. JAAD Case Rep . 2024 Jul 14:51:86-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.06.034. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast with Dr. Jeff Donovan, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating the public and practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs. In this episode, Dr. Donovan explores a fascinating study from the Brazilian Annals of Dermatology, focusing on the trichoscopic features of alopecia neoplastica caused by breast cancer metastases. Alopecia neoplastica, a type of hair loss linked to neoplastic processes, can sometimes resemble alopecia areata, but presents with distinct trichoscopic patterns. Dr. Donovan discusses the study's findings on the blood vessel patterns and color variations that are key indicators of this condition. Join us as we delve into the clinical case of a patient with metastatic breast cancer presenting with alopecia neoplastica. Discover the significance of early detection and how trichoscopy can aid in diagnosing and managing this complex form of hair loss. Tune in next week as we explore the rare side effect of central serous chorioretinopathy from steroid injections, and continue our journey of empowering clinicians and patients through education.     STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE   Bruno Simão Dos Santos, Eduardo César Diniz Macêdo, Bruna Nascimento Arruda Scabello, Patrícia Porto de Oliveira Grossi, Neusa Yuriko Sakai Valente. Dermoscopy of neoplastic alopecia secondary to cutaneous metastasis from breast carcinoma. An Bras Dermatol. 2024 Sep-Oct;99(5):742-745. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is committed to educating both the public and hair loss practitioners through comprehensive programs like the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship (EBHF). In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a compelling case report from JAAD Case Reports that explores the use of diphencyprone (DPCP) for treating alopecia areata during pregnancy. Traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy, DPCP is a topical treatment that induces an allergic reaction on the scalp to promote hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata. Dr. Donovan discusses a unique case where a patient opted to continue DPCP treatment during her pregnancies, resulting in minimal hair loss without any adverse effects on her pregnancies or babies. Dr. Donovan emphasizes the significance of this study in contributing to the limited data available on DPCP use during pregnancy. While the findings are promising, he cautions that more research is needed before making broad recommendations for DPCP use during pregnancy. Join Dr. Donovan next week too as he explores the trichoscopy of alopecia neoplastica from breast cancer in another enlightening episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions about hair loss treatment and research.     STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Desai DD et al. Use of diphenylcyclopropenone for alopecia areata treatment during pregnancy. JAAD Case Rep. 2024 Apr 19:48:88-89. Berth-Jones et al. Diphencyprone is not detectable in serum or urine following topical application. Acta Derm Venerol 1994; 74: 312-3.

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating both the public and practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs like the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into the critical topic of JAK inhibitors and their safety during pregnancy. He explores a pivotal study published in Drug Safety that examines pregnancy outcomes in patients treated with Upadacitinib, a JAK inhibitor used for various inflammatory disorders, including alopecia areata. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of data from clinical trials and post-marketing reports, highlighting the impact of JAK inhibitors on pregnancy outcomes, such as congenital anomalies and live births. Dr. Donovan discusses the importance of understanding the safety of these medications in pregnancy and emphasizes the need for more research in this area. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of managing hair loss treatments during pregnancy and the challenges faced by patients and clinicians alike. Dr. Donovan also shares promising findings and case studies involving other JAK inhibitors, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future directions in this field. Join us for this informative episode as Dr. Donovan addresses a pressing concern in the world of hair loss and pregnancy, providing expert analysis and guidance for both practitioners and patients.     REFERENCES Uma Mahadevan et al. Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Treated with Upadacitinib: Analysis of Data from Clinical Trials and Postmarketing Reports. Drug Saf . 2024 Oct;47(10):1039-1049. doi: 10.1007/s40264-024-01454-0. Epub 2024 Jul 15.   Megan E B Clowse et al. Pregnancy Outcomes in the Tofacitinib Safety Databases for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis. Drug Saf . 2016 Aug;39(8):755-62. doi: 10.1007/s40264-016-0431-z.   Mahadevan U et al. Outcomes of Pregnancies With Maternal/Paternal Exposure in the Tofacitinib Safety Databases for Ulcerative Colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 Nov 29;24(12):2494-2500. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izy160.

Welcome back to Season 8 of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast! I'm Dr. Jeff Donovan, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist. Join me each week as I review groundbreaking studies that are transforming our understanding of hair loss and influencing clinical practices. This season, we'll delve into a variety of compelling topics including hair loss medications during pregnancy, JAK inhibitors like upadacitinib and baricitinib, and the use of terzepatide and metformin. We'll also explore conditions such as alopecia areata, androgenetic hair loss, CCCA, and dissecting cellulitis, and discuss their links to heart disease, thyroid disease, and breast cancer. Episodes will be released every Monday, and you can also find video presentations on our Donovan Medical YouTube channel. Thank you for your continued interest, and we look forward to another exciting season!

The Evidence Based Hair Podcast addresses new research in the world of hair loss

Welcome back to another episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast.   This week, we continue our June theme of JAK inhibitors, focusing on the use of topical JAK inhibitors for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP). In this episode, we delve into a significant study by Dr. Maryanne Senna and colleagues from Boston, exploring the effectiveness and side effects of topical 2% tofacitinib for LPP and FFA. The study, involving 41 patients, provides valuable statistics on improvement and stabilization rates, offering practical insights for clinical application. We discuss the potential of topical JAK inhibitors, given their less systemic absorption compared to oral forms, and their specific relevance to scarring alopecia where inflammation is closer to the skin's surface. Despite some challenges with compounded topical formulations, the study's promising results highlight a third of patients showing improvement and over 60% achieving disease stabilization. Join us as we wrap up our June series on JAK inhibitors and prepare for July, where we'll focus on the antiandrogen spironolactone and its use in androgenetic hair loss in women.   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to our next discussion on the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast.   STUDY REFERENCED Li-Chi Chen, Chino Ogbutor, Kristen J Kelley, Maryanne M Senna. Topical tofacitinib for patients with lichen planopilaris and/or frontal fibrosing alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Jun;90(6):1260-1262. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.01.060. Epub 2024 Feb 2.

Welcome to another episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into an insightful study by Zhao and colleagues, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, titled "Baricitinib Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata." This episode continues the June series dedicated to JAK inhibitors. Dr. Donovan highlights the increasing global use of these medications for treating severe alopecia areata, including the recent approvals of baricitinib and ritlicitinib. The featured study examines the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in treating children with severe alopecia areata, focusing on a small group of 10 patients aged between under two years to 13 years. The results reveal promising regrowth and mild side effects, underscoring the potential of baricitinib for younger patients. Dr. Donovan discusses the broader implications of these findings, including the likelihood of future approvals for younger age groups and the importance of long-term safety data. He emphasizes the need for ongoing research and real-world studies to better understand the prolonged effects of JAK inhibitors. Join Dr. Donovan next week for the final episode of the June series, where he will explore a study on the use of topical tofacitinib for treating lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

The Evidence Based Hair Podcast is a podcast dedicated to recent research in hair loss.

The Evidence Based Hair Podcast is a podcast dedicated to recent research in hair loss.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Donovan, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist, examines the effect of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard hair growth in men  Dr. Donovan focuses on a study published in Sage Open Medicine Case Reports titled, "Facial Hair Enhancement with Minoxidil and Off-Label Use". This study highlights the impact of using topical minoxidil for beard hair growth. As a subject frequently questioned by men worldwide, understanding the benefits, side effects, and the result of its use is vital. A noteworthy part of this study was that it compared the use of topical minoxidil by two identical twins. Only one of the twins applied minoxidil on his face, and as early as the first month, finer, lighter-colored hairs appeared on his beard and mustache. He experienced hair shedding for a few months but still showed overall improvement in hair density and count after using minoxidil for 16 months. Despite mild side effects such as skin dryness and hypertrichosis on ears and forehead, as well as increased body hair in other areas, the study shows that minoxidil can be an effective strategy for males wishing to enhance their facial hair. The patient in the case report switched to topical minoxidil foam due to dry flakiness caused by the solution, suggesting that the foam might be a preferable choice for some users. To sum up, this 16-month-long study provides valuable insights on the potential effectiveness of using minoxidil for beard growth. Despite the side effects and need for more long-term data, the results suggest that it is a reasonably safe and potentially helpful approach for those who desire to improve their facial hair density.

In this episode, we will dive into fascinating recent studies about the side effects of Minoxidil, a widely-known medication for hair loss treatment. This podcast highlights new research regarding what Dr. Donovan calls "the OMAHA effect" (ORAL MINOXIDIL ALCOHOL HANGOVER ASSOCIATION), the surprising association between oral minoxidil use and exacerbated alcohol hangover symptoms. This phenomenon challenges previous conceptions in the medical field and warrants further investigation into potential implications for patients using oral Minoxidil. However, though intriguing, the data about the OMAHA effect lacks detailed and quantitative information about the patients involved and their experiences. This calls for more precise and extensive research on the matter. Dr. Donovan emphasizes the need to gather more information before this knowledge can lead to changes in medical practice. Moving forward, the episode also examines another study analyzing the association between topical Minoxidil and hair discoloration. This study equips you with more concrete data, reporting that about one-fourth of patients using Minoxidil perceive that the treatment has led to their hair graying. Despite the product monograph advising patients to stop minoxidil use when hair discoloration is noticed, the podcast argues that this abrupt termination might not be practical as patients risk losing the new hair growth achieved with Minoxidil when they stop the treatment. Overall, this discussion underscores how hair graying and discoloration, like hair loss, also significantly impacts individuals' lives. As researchers dedicate more attention to understanding these issues, expect more practical guidelines and breakthroughs in combatting them. Join Dr. Donovan every week for insightful discussions about ground-breaking studies relevant to hair loss and its treatment. Stay tuned for our next episode where we look into topical Minoxidil use for beard growth.

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking study by Sanfilippo and Friedman, "Survey of Dermatology Practitioners' Opinions and Prescribing Habits of Oral Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Hair Loss".   The study provides valuable insights into the perceptions of practitioners on oral minoxidil, an increasingly popular option for treating hair loss.   We discuss the results of this survey and compare it with previous studies, shedding light not only on the effectiveness of oral minoxidil but also on the practitioners' comfort level in prescribing it and patients' satisfaction with its results. The pulse of the global community and the evidence provided by well-conducted studies play a significant role in shaping our understanding of oral minoxidil. There's a critical need for long-term evaluations and more comprehensive studies to establish its effects and side effects over years of use. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions as we continue to explore the realm of hair loss treatments. And don't forget, if you want to immerse yourself in the study of hair loss and acquire advanced clinical and problem-solving skills, consider applying for a training position in the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship, the world's most comprehensive program for physicians and allied health professionals.