Hair Loss Treatments
Hair loss, or alopecia, can occur as a result of aging, genetic predisposition, medications or an underlying medical conditions. It can affect men and women of all ages. Individuals may lose hair in patterned baldness, patchy spots or thinned hair. Hair loss is a frequent cause of frustration, embarrassment and even severe emotional distress for individuals who suffer from it, so treatment of the condition may become a psychological, if not a medical, necessity.
Fortunately, while many people are forced to deal with hair loss and for some it may be a permanent condition, there are several treatments available to disguise hair loss or to promote hair growth. Depending upon the location and extent of the hair loss, wigs and hairpieces may be suitable options. In other cases, treatments to promote the growth of hair through the use of medication, ultraviolet light therapy, or hair transplantation may prove to be effective solutions.
Medications
Topical medications for hair loss, such as Rogaine, may help to restore hair by stimulating hair follicles to grow new hair or to enlarge existing hairs. Such medications must be taken continuously to be effective.
For men with male-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, hormone-based medications, such as Propecia, may be prescribed. Oral hormone preparations, however, have not been approved by the FDA for use in women since they have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.
When hair loss is a result of autoimmune disease, corticosteroids may be administered to suppress the immune system and prevent it from attacking the hair follicles. Corticosteroids prescribed for hair loss may be administered topically, orally, or by injection.
Psoralen with Ultraviolet Light Therapy
Psoralen with ultraviolet light therapy, of PUVA, can be a successful means of treating hair loss. Psoralen is a medication that increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light. When it is combined with medically administered ultraviolet light, the treatment is known as PUVA therapy. PUVA has been shown to be effective in treating hair loss resulting from the immune disorder alopecia areata and from aggravated psoriasis. The Psoralen used in PUVA treatment may be applied topically or administered orally. Complications of this treatment may include nausea from the medication and the possible risk of skin cancer or cataracts from the exposure to ultraviolet light.
Other treatments are provided by physicians and may include:
- PRP Hair Restoration
- Exosome (Stem Cell) Hair Restoration
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