Whisker hair (acquired progressive kinking of the hair): An indication for finasteride 1 mg?

Abstract

Acquired progressive kinking of the hair (APKH) and whisker hair are relatively rare conditions. To our knowledge, fewer than 25 cases have been reported in the English literature. We present the case of a 23-year-old man whose hair on the parietal and occipital areas changed and turned curlier and shorter. Patients suffering from APKH have higher risk of developing androgenetic alopecia and therefore finasteride 1 mg daily is proposed as an adequate treatment for these patients.

Acquired progressive kinking of the hair following COVID‐19 disease

“…Both APKH and the whisker hair may be seen in the context of androgenetic alopecia. 5 Interestingly, the morphological changes of hair in our patient occurred after massive effluvium following COVID-19 disease.…”

Pediatric Dermatology Photoquiz: A 14‐Year‐Old Boy with Abrupt‐Onset Hair Changes

“…Typically limited to the frontotemporal, parietal, and vertex scalp , affected hair becomes curled, frizzy, and lusterless , similar in appearance to pubic hair . In another APKH type, also called “whisker hair,” periauricular parietal and occipital scalp are involved . There is generally a family history of androgenetic alopecia and affected areas rapidly progress to androgenetic alopecia .…”

“…In one series, regular minoxidil application did not prevent or delay progression of APKH to alopecia . Oral finasteride, which decreases cutaneous and serum DHT concentrations and is effective for androgenetic alopecia, has been proposed for treatment of APKH , but outcomes of finasteride treatment for APKH have not been reported.…”