How to Treat Hair Loss?

June 9, 2018

Treatment of hair loss depends upon finding the cause and treating it. It is not as simple as it sounds, though!

Proper diagnosis, as was discussed earlier depends upon detailed history, clinical examination including hair pull test and trichoscopy and relevant lab investigations.

Once these are done, we are ready to deal with the enigma of hair loss or alopecia!

The first step would be to differentiate scarring from non-scarring alopecia.

How to Differentiate Scarring from Non-Scarring Hair Loss?

Close examination of the skin is enough to differentiate the scarring from non scarring alopecia. In scarring alopecia, there is absence of hair follicle opening and increased wrinkling of the involved skin. The skin surface is thin, shiny and dry. Underlying small blood vessels may be visible through the atrophic skin. Towards the periphery of the bald patch, hairs will be twisted because of the pull of the scar tissue.

Treatment of Common Baldness

Treatment of common baldness could be medical or surgical.

Medical Treatment of common baldness: Topical Minoxidil is THE treatment for baldness. Most so called herbal and other miraculous cures are ineffective, or a concoction containing minoxidil itself.

Finasteride is an oral medication used for extensive male pattern baldness. It works by binding the enzyme which converts free testosterone to Dehydrotestosterone (DHT). This is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Salient features of Minoxidil therapy:

Life long treatment

Limited improvement

Arrest progress of hair loss

Expensive

Response is seen typically after 3-4 months

Hair fall restarts after stopping medication

Should be used carefully in those with fluctuant blood pressure and heart diseases

Irritation and allergic contact dermatitis may occur to the application.

Application 1 ml twice daily after wash with minimal rubbing

PRP Treatment and Mesotherapy for Common Baldness and Hair Loss

Platelet Rich Plasma injections and Mesotherapy with hairtonics and vitamins are becoming increasingly popular in treatment of hairloss including common baldness.

Surgical Treatment of Common Baldness:

Before contemplating surgery like hair transplantation, the subsequent risks and cost of such surgeries should be considered. In milder cases, a change of hair style or later, a wig would suffice. Flap and strip grafts, scalp reduction operations are also available as alternatives to hair transplantation . Hair weaving is a new technique that is gaining popularity.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

Sudden , generalized hair fall should be reported at once

If associated with other systemic symptoms like generalized weakness, palor, in females, menstrual iirregularities et

Generalized Hair Loss Treatment Tips

Do not pour hot water on the scalp

Do not use harsh shampoos

Hair fall is common after delivery or after a prolonged illness, take nutritious food and use mild shampoos.

Vitamin supplements are beneficial, especially biotin and zinc containing vitamins help hair growth.

Check haemoglobin level for anaemia, and, if present, correct it.

Rule out thyroid and other endocrinological causes.

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Localized Non Scarring Hair Loss: