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Androgenetic alopecia, often known as male pattern baldness, can be brought on by a skin condition or a scalp infection. There are several treatments available to stop hair loss or promote hair growth. These therapies can be discussed with a doctor by a patient.
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According to research, androgenetic alopecia will affect up to 50% of males and girls at some point in their lives.
In order to prevent and treat hair loss in males, this article examines seven of the finest hair loss treatment alternatives. It also covers the reasons why people lose their hair, coping mechanisms, and when to see a doctor.
Hair loss prevention and treatment
In rare circumstances, it could be able to stop hair loss altogether or at least slow it down. However, this will depend on what is causing the person's hair loss in the first place.
Some of the most effective safeguards include:
utilizing combs with greater spacing between the bristles and following a balanced diet
avoiding harsh hairstyles and treatments
If possible, avoid tugging or twisting hair in order to avoid the adverse effect of hair loss and switch drugs.
Some forms of hair loss may be impossible for people to stop or slow down. Males can try active treatment techniques in certain situations.
Any of the ensuing approaches can be used to cure hair loss.
There are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that might possibly cure hair loss. These consist of ointments and foams.
The two most widely used drugs are finasteride and minoxidil (Rogaine) (Propecia).
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Minoxidil was initially developed by scientists as a blood pressure medication, and physicians may still recommend the oral version of the medication to patients with severe hypertension. Scientists created a topical minoxidil solution in 1987 that may be used to treat hair loss in both sexes. The concentration of the solution is either 2% or 5%. Topical minoxidil is sold under the trade names Rogaine and Theroxidil. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only authorized minoxidil and finasteride (Proscar and Propecia), another medication that inhibits hair loss, as therapies for male pattern baldness. According to studies, these two medications can stop hair loss and promote hair growth up to 60% of the time.
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• hair shedding
• skin irritation and redness
• itchy, yellow, or white scales on the scalp
• allergic contact dermatitis
• excessive hair growth over the body, including on the face in some females
Pregnant or nursing women, as well as those who are hypersensitive to the medication's ingredients, should not use minoxidil.
It is available in 10% and 5% strengths.
• easy to apply
• unscented
• recommended for all hair types
• FDA-approved
• widely studied
• not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• results might take 2-4 months to appear, and there is a chance that hair loss will persist.
• Trusted Source if therapy is discontinued
• potentially harmful effects
The cost of a 3-month supply of Rogaine is around $50.99.
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Finasteride was initially developed by scientists to treat prostate cancer. Lowering the concentration of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp has an effect. Reducing DHT levels may encourage hair regeneration and decrease hair loss since DHT seems to make hair follicles in the scalp weaker. There are various precautions about the usage of this medicine. Only adult males can use it; pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using it. Finasteride does not interfere with the development of hair on other places of the body like minoxidil does. Finasteride is available orally and topically. The topical formulation of this medication is less likely to have serious side effects than the oral formulation, according to a review from 2020.
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Possible side effects of finasteride include:
• erectile dysfunction
• decreased ejaculate volume
• depression
• decreased libido
Finasteride users who are treating male pattern hair loss might not see effects for three months after starting the medication.
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A more recent method of treating hair loss is using laser combs. Advocates assert that by stimulating hair follicles with focused light, these devices encourage the creation of new hair. The effectiveness of this treatment is debatable; it could be enhanced by other types of therapy. Researchers examined the effects of low-level laser treatment in 32 men and women with androgenetic alopecia in an earlier 2014 study trusted Source. They discovered that utilizing laser combs together with finasteride and minoxidil may assist promote hair growth. Additionally, a 2019 study discovered that 19 individuals' hair diameter, density, and visible thickness were all enhanced using a unique laser cap. The authors do, however, point out a number of limitations of this study, including limited sample size.
A dermatologist may prescribe a variety of medications, ointments, lotions, and shampoos as part of hair loss treatments.
Meetings with specialists are required for other therapy.
There are several businesses that specialize in male hair treatments. They often provide services to assist in determining the best course of action and customize therapies to meet the needs of a person.
Hair loss can occasionally be long-lasting or permanent.
Some individuals could favor a non-medical method of hair loss treatment. Hair replacement options include wigs and hairpieces.
In recent years, wigs and hairpieces have made significant advancements.
If a person's baldness is the result of a medical condition, their insurance company could pay for a wig. Before making a wig purchase, it is crucial to confirm insurance coverage.
The only surgery available to address hair loss is hair transplant surgery.
Hair transplantation is for people with male pattern baldness. A hair transplant involves removing hair follicles from the back of the head, where they are resistant to DHT, and placing them on the scalp.
Like any other surgery, hair transplants carry the risk of complications.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the risks of hair transplant surgery include excessive bleeding and wide scars. Additionally, there is a chance the skin plugs may die, and this requires further surgery to fix.
The table that follows compares the cost and key benefits and drawbacks of each of the hair loss treatments discussed in this article.
Causes of hair loss in men
Male pattern baldness and hair loss can occur for a variety of causes.
Genetics is the most likely root reason. A doctor can choose the best course of action for therapy by determining if hair loss is brought on by genetics or another condition.
baldness on the male pattern
Male baldness is most frequently caused by Trusted Source, an inherited disorder. It could begin at puberty or even later in life. The temples and the front of the center of the head are frequently affected, and it frequently develops gradually and in predictable patterns.
Males often retain a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair. How quickly, when in life, and to what extent someone develops baldness are all determined by heredity.
DHT, a hormone that can limit the lifespan of individual hair follicles, is more sensitive to the hair that men with male pattern baldness inherit.
Other typical reasons for male pattern baldness include:
• Infections of the scalp can cause hair loss and scaly areas on the skin and hair, including ringworm.
• Hormonal alterations: Unbalances and variations in hormone levels might result in temporary hair loss. The thyroid gland is most likely to be the hormonally-related cause of hair loss in males.
• Alopecia areata, another name for patchy hair loss, is a condition where the immune system of the body destroys the hair follicles. The attack results in abrupt and quick hair loss, leaving the skin with smooth, frequently rounded bald areas.
• Skin conditions: In the scarred regions, eczema, severe seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lupus can all cause permanent hair loss.
• Trichotillomania is the medical term for the condition when persons have an overwhelming need to pluck off their hair. Hair will be plucked from the scalp, the brows, or other body parts.
• Medication: A side effect of several drugs may be hair loss.
Less frequent reasons for hair loss include:
• Radiation therapy: A man's hair may fall out and regrow in a different way if he undergoes any kind of radiation therapy close to his scalp.
• Several hairstyles or remedies: Permanent hair loss can be brought on by pulling hair excessively, treating it with oils, or dying it.
• Natural causes of hair loss include stress, childbirth, illness, surgery, and severe trauma. When the triggering event is past, the thinning frequently goes back to normal.
Depending on the individual, hair loss can have quite different emotional effects.
Some patients may choose to use counseling as a component of their care. Others could opt for a haircut that celebrates hair loss, such as shaving their heads.
A person's self-esteem may be impacted by hair loss, which can also result in sadness, anxiety, and a lower quality of life.
A person should get help from a doctor if they detect a reduction in their quality of life following the start of hair loss.
Alternative remedies
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, if a person's blood test results show that they are not getting enough biotin, iron, or zinc, a doctor may advise taking supplements.
It is always preferable to check with a doctor before using a supplement since taking supplements when a person does not have a deficit might be detrimental.
Additionally, a person could find the following choices helpful:
• Lemon oil: A 2016 research by Trusted Source claims that lemon oil can encourage hair development. Before shampooing their hair, one can apply it straight to their scalp.
• Rosemary oil: Researchers discovered that rosemary oil helps cure androgenetic alopecia in a research published in 2015 (Trusted Source). Participants who used minoxidil also often scratched their scalps.
• Coconut oil: According to a recent 2021 study trusted Source, using coconut oil on the scalp can promote the health of the hair follicles and cure damage to the hair.
If a person notices any of the following, they should see a doctor:
clumps of hair falling out suddenly there is aching or burning on the scalp
People who are concerned about hair loss should also speak with a medical expert.
To determine if the hair loss is due to one of the following, a healthcare expert may:
• a conditioned stress weight loss iron deficiency an illness
Frequently asked questions about hair loss
We address some of the most popular inquiries concerning hair loss below.
Depending on the sort of hair loss a person has, their hair may or may not regrow.
For instance, the majority of persons who lose their hair as a consequence of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer will grow it back once their treatment is through.
But other hair loss conditions, including male pattern baldness, are usually irreversible. Certain therapies may be suggested or prescribed by doctors to aid in halting future hair loss.
Scarring can cause hair loss, and the likelihood of hair growth is decreased. As soon as someone notices hair loss, it's critical for them to consult a dermatologist for guidance and care. Early treatments can stop the progress of scarring hair loss.
There is proof that medications like minoxidil and finasteride help lessen a person's hair loss. Results, however, may differ from person to person.
A hair loss therapy may take several months before users start to experience benefits. To locate a therapy that is appropriate for their circumstance, a patient should consult with a healthcare practitioner.
Is therapy for hair loss covered by insurance?
To find out if their plan covers hair loss treatments, one can contact their insurance company. Before receiving therapy, people should always check with their insurance.
Summary
Numerous factors, including genetics and skin or scalp conditions, can contribute to hair loss. While it is not always feasible to stop hair loss, people may be able to do so by utilizing OTC devices like laser combs or by taking a drug like finasteride or minoxidil.
If someone is concerned about their hair loss or if it has started suddenly, they should speak with a healthcare provider. To determine the reason for hair loss, a doctor may request a number of tests and conduct interviews.
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