Treatments and Healthy Maintenance of Hair Loss (Part 2)

Hi friends, hope you are well and healthy. Here is the second and the last part of the topic in which as I told you in my last post, I add some tests, treatments and some questions which you all ask yourselves at least more than once a time in your life. So I am giving the answer of that type of questions and if you have more of this kind, then ask me without any hesitation.

Tests to identify hair loss

·         The pull test: This test helps to evaluate diffuse scalp hair loss. Gentle traction is exerted on a group of hair (about 40–60) on three different areas of the scalp. The number of extracted hairs is counted and examined under a microscope. Normally, <3 hairs per area should come out with each pull. If >10 hairs are obtained, the pull test is considered positive.

·         The pluck test: In this test, the individual pulls hair out “by the roots.” The root of the plucked hair is examined under a microscope to determine the phase of growth and used to diagnose a defect of telogen, anagen, or systemic disease. Telogen hairs are hairs that have tiny bulbs without sheaths at their roots. Telogen effluvium shows an increased percentage of hairs upon examination. Anagen hairs are hairs that have sheaths attached to their roots. Anagen effluvium shows a decrease in telogen-phase hairs and an increased number of broken hairs.

·         Scalp biopsy: This test is done when alopecia is present, but the diagnosis is unsure. The biopsy allows for differing between scarring and nonscarring forms. Hair samples are taken from areas of inflammation, usually around the border of the bald patch.

·         Daily Hair Counts: This is normally done when the pull test is negative. It is done by counting the number of hairs lost. The hair that should be counted is the hairs from the first morning combing or during washing. The hair is collected in a clear plastic bag for 14 days. The strands are recorded. If the hair count is >100/day is considered abnormal except after shampooing, where hair counts will be up 250 and be normal.

·         Trichoscopy: Trichoscopy is a non-invasive method of hair and scalp. The test may be performed with the use of a hadheld dermoscope or a videodermoscope. It allows differential diagnosis of hair loss in most cases.

Some Treatments for Hair Loss

·         Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is a non-prescription medication approved for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Minoxidil comes in a liquid or foam that is rubbed into your scalp twice a day. This is the most effective method to treat male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss. However, only 30–40% of patients experience hair growth. Minoxidil is not effective for other causes of hair loss except alopecia areata. Hair regrowth can take 8 to 12 months. Treatment is continued indefinitely because if the treatment is stopped, hair loss resumes again. Most frequent side effects are mild scalp irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and increased facial hair.

·         Finasteride (Propecia): Is used in male-pattern hair loss in a pill form taken on a daily basis. Finasteride is not indicated for women and is not recommended in pregnant women. Treatment is effective within 6 to 8 months of treatment. Side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, gynecomastia, and myopathy. Therefore this treatment is to avoid. Treatment should be continued as long as positive results occur. Once treatment is stopped, hair loss resumes again.

·         Corticosteroids: Injections of cortisone into the scalp can be used to treat alopecia areata. This type of treatment is repeated on a monthly basis. Physician may prescribe oral pills for extensive hair loss due to alopecia areata. Results may take up to a month to be seen.

·         Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp): Available as a cream or ointment that is applied to the scalp and washed off daily. More commonly is used to treat psoriasis. Results may take up to 12 weeks to be seen.

·         Hormonal Modulators: Oral contraceptives or spironolactone can be used for female-pattern hair loss associated with hyperandrogenemia.

·         Surgical Options: Treatment options such as follicle transplant, scalp flaps, and alopecia reduction are available. These procedures are generally chosen by those who are self-conscious about their hair loss. These options are expensive and painful. There is a risk of infection and scarring. Once surgery has occurred, it takes 6 to 8 months before the quality of new hair can be assessed.

·          Hair transplant: A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon takes tiny plugs of skin, each which contains a few hairs, and implants the plugs into bald sections. The plugs are generally taken from the back or sides of your scalp. Several transplant sessions may be necessary.

·         Scalp Reduction: This process is the decreasing of the area of bald skin on your head. As time goes, the skin on our head becomes flexible and stretched enough that some of it can be surgically removed. After the hairless scalp is removed, the space is closed with hair-covered scalp. Scalp reduction is generally done in combination with hair transplantation to provide a natural-looking hairline, especially those with extensive hair loss. You may have the perfect hairstyle, but that coif won’t go very far if you don’t take care of your hair. Proper hair maintenance for men goes beyond slapping on some shampoo and running a comb through your tresses. It involves using the right products, getting regular haircuts, and taking care of your scalp.

                             

 

Now some questions which you always ask yourselves or to your friends almost now and then but you don’t get the exact answer from anywhere and there is I am for you with your answers. Here the answers most of yours questions and let me know if you have any other questions.

Is it OK to shampoo every day?

As long as you’re using the proper product in your hair, you can shampoo and condition every day, 1,000 times a day, without any side effects – but, again, only if you’re using the right product. Just use common sense. If your hair is dry, don’t use a shampoo that removes oil — you’re just drying out your scalp. Use normal shampoo and conditioner, and it’s fine to wash frequently. There’s that myth that your hair will fall out, but it’s not true. If it’s going to fall out, it’s in your blood.

     What’s the one hair product men should own?

Many men are starting to get more conscious of hair conditioners. Conditioners are necessities because a healthy scalp means healthy hair – and not enough men know that.

      Are gels and oils bad for the scalp?

Gels get hard, congest the scalp and the scalp doesn’t breathe. You can point out the guys on the street who look like they’ve got a crusty head. Joe actually has a gel that doesn’t get hard and looks natural, so we recommend that type of gel.

      How often should a men get their hair cut?

 Haircuts should generally occur every 4 to 6 weeks if you want to look your best. After this period, hair generally starts to lose its support and maintain its shape. But 4 to 6 weeks is the peak, and after that your hair is just not cooperating with you anymore.

So dear friends, hope you enjoyed the above information. If you have any other questions about above topic or any kind of topic you can ask me like the friend who have asked me as I told you before. Till then stay healthy, be passionate, share your thoughts with me and of course do not forget to visit our blog.