CHICAGO (JULY 28, 2003) ¯ True or false? 1) A man will lose his hair only if his grandfather on his mother’s side was bald. 2) Women rarely lose their hair. 3) The likelihood of hair loss varies by racial heritage or ethnicity.

All of these statements are false. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is set to refute these and other common myths about hereditary hair loss—misperceptions that may delay millions of people from seeking early diagnosis and treatment—during August, Hair Loss Awareness Month. The public education campaign raises awareness about the signs of hereditary hair loss, a condition that affects 80 million American men and women.

“This year, the AAD wants to reach those men and women who look in the mirror every morning and overlook the initial signs of hereditary hair loss,” says dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. “Sometimes denial keeps them from seeking treatment. But often it’s a belief in common myths about hair loss that may cause them to wait months, or even years, before consulting their dermatologist – if they seek treatment at all.”

Three of the most common myths about hereditary hair loss are:
Myth #1: Hereditary hair loss is passed only from the mother’s side of the family.
Fact: Men and women should look at both sides of their family tree for relatives with hereditary hair loss. The condition can be inherited from their mother, their father, or from both parents.

Myth #2: Hereditary hair loss is rare among women.
Fact: In the United States, 30 million women—or one in four—experience hereditary hair loss. Less frequent causes for hair loss in women include stress, illness, medication, diet, and pregnancy. But 70 percent of women with thinning hair can attribute it to hereditary hair loss.

Myth #3: Prevalence of hereditary hair loss varies by ethnic or racial background.
Fact: Race neither increases nor decreases a person’s likelihood of experiencing hereditary hair loss. Hereditary hair loss affects all ethnicities.

About Hereditary Hair Loss and Treatment Options
Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is marked by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, causing a shortening of the hair’s growth cycle. As the growth phase shortens, the hair becomes thinner and shorter. Eventually there is no growth at all. Because hereditary hair loss is gradual, the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of results.

There are several different treatment options for men and women suffering from hereditary hair loss:

• Minoxidil topical solution works on hair follicles to reverse the shrinking process and stimulate new growth on the top of your scalp. It is sold over the counter and is FDA-approved for use by men and women. Minoxidil is the only hair regrowth ingredient approved by the FDA for use by women.
   
• Finasteride, a pill taken orally, stimulates hair regrowth by blocking the formation of the active male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is FDA-approved for use by men and is available by prescription.
   
• Hair transplantation involves removing healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to the bald areas.

More information about hair loss and treatment options is available online at the American Academy of Dermatology Web site, www.aad.org, or by calling the AAD toll-free information line at 1-888-462-DERM.

August 2003 marks the third annual Hair Loss Awareness Month. This month-long public awareness campaign of the American Academy of Dermatology is designed to educate men and women about hair loss, the importance of early detection, and available treatment options.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin.

This program is made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc.