5 alpha reductase
Dear Mads:
Yes, 5 Alpha reductase is the link for skin diseases and hair
conditions. Alopecia, acne, sebderm, hirsutism, etc.
I think that hair replacement industry is getting closer to figuring
out a way to treat conditions that are a result of too much 5 alpha
reductse activity. But dermatologists and the medical community
treating skin conditions have not caught on to this.
I have also wondered, "if they can inhibit 5 alpha reductase on the
scalp through topical preparations, why can’t they create something
similiar for the face and skin (for sebderm and acne)?" Why has
there not been more research given to idea of creating topical
preparations that block androgen activity (DHT and 5 alpha reductase)
in a localized fashion?
The few things I did locate on the web regarding this was:
Topical spironolactone - very rare item. Many men look to use this
for hair loss. And because it is a topical preparation it treats the
scalp locally without lowering testosterone in the body.
A Schering/Vienna Uni study on cyproterone acetate - a comparison of
topical delivery versus taking it as an oral medicine. Again, trying
to find a way to treat a problem at specific site while avoiding
affecting the body as a whole. Cyproterone Acetate is an anti-
androgen component in Diane 35. Diane 35 is prescribed for women who
have acne AND SEBORRHEA.
Do a search on the web under the following:
Topical anti-androgen