If you are experiencing any hair loss or hair thinning, you should visit your dermatologist immediately. The good news is that several treatments are available to help you stop or reverse hair loss.
Hair loss, hair breakage, and hair thinning are common problems that both men and women face. It affects around 50% of the population at some point in their lives. While hair loss can occur due to various reasons, the leading cause is genetics. Other causes include stress, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and even age.
There are various treatment options available for hair loss. These range from topical solutions to surgical procedures. Here are some of them.
Medical Therapy
Minoxidil is the most commonly used drug by dermatologists for treating male pattern baldness. It works by increasing blood flow to your scalp, which helps stimulate new hair growth. Different strengths are available, but the maximum recommended dose is 5%. Although minoxidil is effective, it does have side effects such as increased facial flushing, heartburn, headaches, dizziness and swelling.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can also used to treat hair loss. Unlike minoxidil, laser therapy doesn’t increase blood circulation and won’t work for everyone. You need to see if your dermatologist prescribes laser therapy before trying it.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
The dermatologist will give you a platelet-rich plasma therapy which involves extracting a small amount of blood from your arm, spinning it in a centrifuge, and separating the platelets from the rest of the blood. This process extracts specific proteins called growth factors from your blood to promote cell regeneration in your hair follicles. Afterward, these growth factors are injected back into the scalp, triggering hair regrowth.
Vitamin D
Broad multivitamins including vitamin D supplementation for those with a history of low levels are recommended. Vitamin D is required for strong bones and teeth, but it also plays a role in hair growth. Your dermatologist can ensure you have enough vitamin D with a simple lab test.
Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions may cause hair thinning in addition to acne, unusual hair growth (hirsutism), dandruff, oily skin, voice changes or irregular periods. Your dermatologist will examine you and determine what, if any, labs are appropriate to test including hormone levels, iron levels, thyroid function and vitamin levels.
Hair Transplantation
This involves taking tiny grafts of hair follicles from other areas of the scalp and implanting them into bald spots.
Call a Dermatologist Today
If you have any concerns about your hair loss or thinning, there may be a treatment to reverse it and help restore a youthful, full head of hair. Contact Dr. Liz Damsetter, a board-certified dermatologist, to find out which hair loss treatment is right for you. Start the conversation by calling Reserve Dermatology or by contacting us online today.
