Follicular Rescue in Scarring Alopecias: Treating to Halt Disease Progression and Grow Hair

Rhonda, a dermatologist from the University of Minnesota, discusses follicular rescue strategies in scarring alopecias, focusing on treatments aimed at halting disease progression and promoting hair growth. She emphasizes that many procedures, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosome therapies, are administered off-label with limited FDA approval. Rhonda outlines how PRP is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia and suggests that its effectiveness in scarring alopecias, though based on case reports rather than robust studies, shows promise, particularly in younger female patients. She includes insights on exosomes, explaining their composition and regulatory status, and warns of potential safety issues, including the risk of contamination and blood doping. Additionally, she highlights the rising trend of scalp spas that combine therapeutic treatment with holistic wellness, advocating that dermatologists should integrate such approaches while maintaining patient safety and regulatory standards. Rhonda also touches upon energy-based devices and microneedling for hair regrowth, the critical evaluation of hair transplantation techniques in scarring alopecia, and the significance of biopsies prior to any surgical intervention. Lastly, she expresses her intention to create a scalp treatment room in her clinic, bridging professional and holistic care while navigating current hair loss trends in the skincare market.