Treatments for alopecia

If the hair loss is caused by an infection or a condition, treating that infection/condition may prevent further hair loss, and in many cases re-growth will occur.

Male-pattern baldness treatment

• Finasteride – this works by preventing the hormone testosterone converting to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which causes hair follicles to shrink. Finasteride effectively brings back normal hair size (from being very fine hair). According the National Health Service, UK, two-thirds of males who are given finasteride experience some hair regrowth. However, even among the other third who experience no regrowth, most stop becoming balder. The effects of finasteride are not evident for at least four months. If the patient stops taking finasteride the balding process will resume. About 1 in every 50 men who take finasteride experiences a loss of libido (sex drive).
• Minoxidil – this is available as a lotion. The person rubs it into the scalp on a daily basis. In the UK, and most other countries it is available over-the-counter (no prescription needed). About 15% of men who use it experience hair regrowth, while half of all men notice that the balding process stops. For about 32% of all men, minoxidil has no effect at all. It is only after four months of daily applications that those who do benefit from minoxidil notice it. If treatment is stopped the balding process will resume. Side effects are uncommon.
• Laser phototherapy – a controlled clinical trial proved the clinical efficacy and safety of a laser phototherapy device for treating hereditary hair loss,according to an article.
• Dermabrasion gel - scientists have found a way to make the skin of laboratory mice give have fully working hair follicles complete with new hair by using a protein that stimulates follicle generating genes in skin cells under wound conditions.

Female-pattern baldness treatment

The only effective medication for women with female-pattern baldness is minoxidil. About 20% to 25% of UK women who take it experience hair regrowth, while the majority finds the treatment stops or slows the loss of hair. Other treatments include hair transplants, wigs, hair weaving, changes in hairstyle, plastic surgery (scalp reduction).

Alopecia areata treatment

There is no current reliable, safe, effective, long term treatment for alopecia areata, a study showed. Fortunately, about 80% of cases resolve themselves after a year without treatment and hair grows back. Therefore, watchful waiting may be the best initial strategy. If it does not resolve itself, some treatments are possible:

• Steroid injections – effective when the patient has small patches. A steroid solution is injected straight into the scalp, several times. The steroid stops the immune system from attacking hair follicles. After about four weeks this treatment may stimulate regrowth. Treatment might be repeated every few months. With some patients alopecia returns some time after treatment is stopped, while with others the regrowth is permanent.
• Topical steroids (creams and ointments) and steroid tablets – although these medications are widely prescribed for alopecia areata treatment, their long-term benefits are not clear. It seems there is a chance hair will regrow. Side effects become more common the longer the patient takes the steroid tablets or creams/ointments; they may include diabetes and stomach ulcers. Some patients experience itching, and sometimes hair growth in other areas.
• Minoxidil – applied in lotion form to the scalp every day, this treatment can stimulate hair growth. Benefits, if they do appear, do so after about two or three months. In the UK they are not recommended for people under the age of 16.
• Immunotherapy – this is the most effective treatment for total hair loss. DPCP (diphencyprone) is applied to the bald skin. The patient applies the chemical solution once a week, and the dosage is stronger each time. The DPCP generally causes an allergic reaction and the patient will develop mild dermatitis (mild eczema). Hair starts to regrow after about three months among patients who respond. Some patients may have a severe skin reaction. This can be dealt with by reducing the rate of dosage increase. A very small percentage of patients may develop vitiligo (patchy colored skin). Most patients find that hair continues falling out after treatment is stopped.
• Dithranol cream – this treatment is much less popular than immunotherapy because it is less effective and there is a greater risk of causing a skin reaction and itchiness. It can also stain the scalp and hair.
• UV light treatment – the patient is given about two to three sessions of light therapy each week. This is usually done in a hospital. After about 12 months patients may see some good results. It is not very popular as response rates are not so good.
• Tattooing the eyebrows – this is known as dermatography.
• Alternative therapies – alternative therapists commonly offer aromatherapy, massage, or acupuncture for alopecia treatment. Not enough studies exist to determine how effective these treatments are.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Related posts:

1. How Is Alopecia areata Treated?
2. How common is androgenetic alopecia?
3. Is Research Close to Finding Better Treatments or a Cure?
4. Is Your Hair Taking a Break
5. What genes are related to androgenetic alopecia?
6. Androgenetic Alopecia
7. Hair Loss (Alopecia)
8. Treatment for hair loss
9. Best Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Women
10. How Can I Cope With the Effects of This Disease?