Medical treatments for hair loss vary depending on the underlying cause and the type of hair loss being treated. Supplements containing vitamins, minerals (like iron and zinc), and amino acids may be recommended in cases where nutritional deficiencies contribute to hair loss. We can use medical treatments to treat and follow up patients with some type of hair loss cases. It needs routıne follow up maybe sometimes months and even years. It is important also to protect from hair loss after injection treatments and even transplantation. Here are some common medical treatments used for different types of hair loss:
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male-Pattern or Female-Pattern Baldness):
– Minoxidil : This is a topical solution or foam applied directly to the scalp. It’s available over-the-counter and is believed to prolong the hair growth phase (anagen) and increase hair follicle size.
– Finasteride : This is an oral medication available by prescription for men. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Alopecia Areata:
– Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids directly into the scalp can help suppress the immune response that is attacking hair follicles in alopecia areata.
– Topical Immunotherapy: This involves applying chemicals like diphencyprone (DPCP) or squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) to the scalp, which provoke an allergic reaction that may stimulate hair regrowth.
- Telogen Effluvium:
– Treatment of Underlying Cause: Identifying and treating the underlying trigger such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or stress-related factors is essential.
- Anagen Effluvium (Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss):
Scalp Cooling (Cold Cap Therapy): This technique helps reduce blood flow to the scalp during chemotherapy sessions, potentially reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach hair follicles.