Correlation between sebum level and severity of male androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is the main concern hair problem in the male which is characterized by progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. One factor which contributed in androgenetic alopecia progression is sebum level. This study determined the correlation between sebum level and the severity of AGA in men. Patients and methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross sectional method involving 50 male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Recorded age, education, occupation, family history and duration of illness. AGA severity was determined by the Hamilton- Norwood classification I–VII. Sebum levels were measured using Sebumeter® SM 815. The correlation between sebum level and severity of AGA was analyzed using the Gamma correlation test and significant if p-value<0.05. Results: Most AGA patients were found in the 36–45 age group, had a diploma/bachelor education level, worked in business services and salespeople, had a family history of their father suffering from AGA, and had suffered from AGA for >20 years. Most AGA patients were found in Hamilton-Norwood III (50%) with the most sebum levels were found to be normal (60%). The results of this study showed a positive correlation (p<0.01) with a very strong strength between sebum level and severity of AGA (r=0.94). Conclusion: There is a very strong correlation between sebum level and severity of AGA.