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Doctors for Baldness 
Medicines for Baldness
Baldness articles
What is Baldness?
Baldness, another term for alopecia, is the loss of hair from the scalp. Losing a few strands is quite normal as they grow back in most people, but as age progresses this may not be the case.
Patterned hair loss is seen in both sexes after puberty. It is found that starting at the age of 35 years, two-third men experience baldness and 40% have noticeable hair loss. In India, 0.7% of the population experiences baldness.
What are its main signs and symptoms?
It can appear in different forms depending on the factors causing baldness. It may cause sudden or slow baldness and may affect your scalp or the entire body. It can be permanent or temporary.
The major signs and symptoms include
- Progressive thinning
- Slow weakening of hairs on the top of your head
- Circular or patchy spots
- Sudden loss of hair
- Complete hair loss
- Scaly patches spreading over the scalp region
What are its main causes?
It can be genetic or acquired. Androgenetic alopecia (more than 95%) is the commonest cause among male hair loss.
- Hereditary
It is familial and occurs with ageing and is predictable.
- Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions
Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and scalp infections may be responsible for hair loss.
- Drug Related
Drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, gout, and blood pressure problems can cause baldness.
- Radiation Therapy
Exposure to harmful radiation may result in permanent loss of hair.
- Stress
Stress and emotional or physical shock may be responsible for hair loss.
- Hair Treatments
Hairstyles, such as tight ponytail or cornrows, can cause traction alopecia
- Nutritional Deficiency
Lack of essential amino acids especially lysine can lead to baldness
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Male-type baldness is diagnosed by the appearance and pattern of hair loss and medical history. It is classified using the Hamilton-Norwood classification system, and the female type is classified using the Ludwig system. If there is scarring of the scalp, you may be referred to a dermatologist. In non-scarring alopecia, a small scraping of the lesion may be taken to test for fungal infection. Thereafter, a scalp biopsy may be performed if no clear cause can be detected. In diffuse hair loss, you may be told to do a serum ferritin and thyroid tests.
Treatment:
- Mainly, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used for hair restoration. A vast majority of the products contain snake oil because of the anti-frizz properties.
- Eliminating stress can help regrow hair.
- Laser therapy has also shown to provide good results by stimulating hair growth.
- Surgery can also reverse hair loss.
- Hair multiplication, which involves self-replenishing follicle stem cells multiplied in the lab and microinjected in the scalp, can help regrow hair.
- Nutritional supplements may be taken, as essential amino acids and other micronutrients are essential for proper hair growth.
Self-care:
- Change your hair products by consulting a trichologist.
- Avoid hot showers as it can strip off the essential oils on the scalp.
- Massage the scalp with hair oils.
- Have a transplant.
- Quit smoking and avoid stress.
- Engage in physical activities to improve blood circulation.
- Comb hair regularly with wide combs to improve blood circulation and stimulate growth.
Not only medications but also lifestyle modifications can lead to better results and protect existing hairs from further damage or loss.
Dr. Apratim Goel
