How To Treat Hair Loss

Dec 27 2009

Posted by Steve Glide as Biotin And Hair Loss

As embarrassing and distressing a condition as it can be, hair loss is surprisingly common. Often caused by stress, worrying about the issue can make things worse and is often unnecessary, as most cases are merely a temporary reaction.

People with anemia can be prone to suffer such a condition, and treatment of this parent issue will most likely see the loss reversed. This is also true with those having some cancer treatments; which again will see hair be restored once these courses have been completed.

Androgenic alopecia is the most common of conditions. Better referred as male pattern baldness, many people are unaware that it is just as likely in women as it is men; passed down through the genes in a family line. Here though, medications finasteride and minoxidil can be effective for some.

For women and men, minoxidil can be used, though research still continues as to why it is effective. Finasteride on the other hand is only effective for men, as it controls the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which when released causes hair follicles to shrink and subsequently prevents healthy hair growth.

In both treatments, it is important that time is given, (at least four to six months), for the medication to take effect. There are very few side effects to be expected from the use of both drugs, but treatment will be required constantly, or hair loss will recur quite rapidly.

Alopecia areata is the most widely known of hair loss issues, and usually takes place quite suddenly with balding sporadically over the scalp. Teenagers and young adults are most commonly affected, whilst a significant percentage suffer through family lines.

In the majority of cases, hair will grow back within twelve to eighteen months. However, one in five people may go on to experience more severe issues resulting in the total loss of hair to the scalp and, in some cases the entire body.

A lesser known form of alopecia is telogen effluvium; which can be recognized not so much through total loss of hair; but through widespread thinning across the entire scalp and other areas of the body. Again, this is a condition that often subsides after a few months; as is closely linked with stress or a reaction to some forms of medication.

Treatments for all forms of hair loss do vary, and can include steroids, immunotherapy and UV light courses. However, it is important to understand that such conditions are common, and whilst it is natural to be embarrassed and depressed, help can be effectively sought through doctors, dermatologists and even through consultation with a reputable pharmacist.

Would you like to learn more about hair loss treatment? Read more articles about hair loss in women

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