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What Are Topical Hair Loss Treatments For Men?
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What Are Topical Hair Loss Treatments for Men?Topical hair loss treatments are among the most popular options for men with hair loss. These treatments are applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth, reduce hair thinning and prevent further hair loss.
Two of the most well-known topical treatments are finasteride and minoxidil, both of which have been studied and proven to help combat hair loss in men. Note: finasteride is also available orally.
Finasteride* works by lowering your levels of DHT, a hormone that comes from testosterone and can shrink hair follicles, while minoxidil improves blood flow to hair follicles, promoting healthier and stronger hair growth.
Other topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, can be used for specific hair loss due to alopecia areata or other scalp conditions.
Consult your doctor before starting any new hair loss treatment to ensure it's right for you.
Topical Solutions for Various Types of Hair LossDifferent types of hair loss require tailored treatments to address the underlying causes and promote healthy regrowth. Understanding the specific condition you're dealing with can help you and your doctor determine the best topical solution for you.
Here are the most common treatments for various hair loss issues:
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Hims: Regrow hair in as few as 3-6 months
How to Choose the Best Hair Loss Treatment for YouThe right hair loss treatment for you depends on the severity of your hair loss, your lifestyle and your treatment preferences. With so many options available, it's important to understand how each treatment works and choose one that fits your daily routine. You may also want to speak to a doctor for treatment recommendations.
Topical vs. Oral TreatmentsTopical treatments, like minoxidil and corticosteroid creams, are applied directly to the scalp to help treat the affected area. Oral treatments, including oral finasteride, are taken as pills. While oral treatments can be more convenient, they can come with side effects like sexual dysfunction. Generally, topical treatments have fewer side effects compared to oral medications.
Prescription TreatmentsPrescription treatments may be necessary in more severe cases or when over-the-counter options are ineffective. Some prescription treatments include:
For those starting their hair loss treatment journey or looking for maintenance options, several effective OTC treatments and supplements are available:
When choosing a hair loss treatment, consider the following factors:
Hair loss can be distressing, but not all hair loss requires a doctor's visit. You should consider seeing a doctor if:
Consulting a healthcare professional can help you determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan.
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Disclosures:
*Currently, oral Finasteride is FDA-approved, but Topical Finasteride is not. Topical Minoxidil is also FDA approved. Https://pubmed.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/35238144/
**Off-label usage should be done with caution https://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pmc/articles/PMC9998554/
*** There are other medications available on the market, which claim to treat AGA. These medications are, however, not FDA approved for MPB. Ketoconazole, (Nizoral) shampoo, is also known to inhibit 5AR, the enzyme which converts testosterone to DHT. Preliminary research suggests that ketoconazole shampoo may be beneficial in men suffering from androgenic alopecia [10, 11]. Support for this also stems from a study in 1998 which compared ketoconazole shampoo 2% to the proven hair loss drug minoxidil in men with androgenic alopecia [10]. The study concluded that hair density, size, and proportion of anagen follicles were improved almost similarly by both ketoconazole and 2% minoxidil regimens. Https://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262531/
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5 Things To Avoid When You Have Alopecia Areata
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5 Things to Avoid When You Have Alopecia AreataAlopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the hair follicles. If you're one of the 6.8 million people in the U.S. With this condition, what should you avoid with alopecia areata? We're here to help you figure that out.
While there are treatment options for alopecia areata, avoiding some common triggers and risks might help keep your condition under control and improve hair health.
Read on for five things to avoid when you have alopecia areata, plus what to do a little more of (spoiler alert: vitamin D and anti-inflammatory food for the win).
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What To Know About Alopecia AreataDealing with a skin condition like alopecia areata can be frustrating. But before getting into what to avoid when you have alopecia areata, it will help to know a little more about this type of alopecia — which is the medical term for baldness.
Alopecia areata happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and stops hair growth. Potential triggers include stress, a family history of the disorder, or other autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis or thyroid diseases.
The condition results in patchy hair loss — typically small, round patches about the size of a quarter — on the scalp or other parts of the body. That's one thing that differentiates it from other types of male pattern baldness, which usually cause receding hairlines, thinning hair, or excessive shedding.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of alopecia areata you have. Different types include:
Patchy alopecia areata. This is a common type of alopecia areata, also characterized by round patches of hair loss.
Alopecia totalis. This type of alopecia areata causes hair loss on all or nearly the entire scalp.
Alopecia universalis. In this rare type of alopecia areata, hair on the scalp, face and the rest of the body is entirely or nearly completely lost.
When you have alopecia areata, your immune system attacks your hair follicles but doesn't destroy them — meaning new hair growth is possible through various treatment methods.
However, finding a successful treatment could take some trial and error. So, in the meantime, here are five things to avoid when you have alopecia areata.
monticelllo/Istockphoto
What to Avoid When You Have Alopecia AreataWhile there's no cure for alopecia areata, there are ways you might be able to manage your condition. Still, it should be noted that alopecia areata is unpredictable, and the exact cause can vary by person.
Here are some things to avoid when you have alopecia areata.
1. Certain FoodsAlopecia areata is an immune response, meaning it's caused by how your body defends itself against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances. Immune responses can be inflammatory, and some of the worst foods for alopecia areata are those that trigger an inflammatory response. Other foods may affect hormone levels, so diet matters when you're living with alopecia.
Try to avoid or limit these foods, which can encourage an inflammatory reaction and exacerbate autoimmune symptoms:
Refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. Your body quickly converts refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, or pasta into glucose (sugar). Research shows that excessive sugar intake increases inflammation.
Gluten (in some cases). For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, gluten can trigger an immune response, leading to more inflammation and potentially worsening autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.
Fried and highly processed foods. These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and preservatives, which can promote inflammation and stress the immune system.
Processed meat, snacks, and other high-sodium food. Excessive salt intake can cause fluid retention and inflammation, which can negatively impact autoimmune conditions.
Red meat. Research suggests that a diet low in red meat may help protect against chronic inflammatory diseases.
Margarine, shortening, and lard. These are often high in saturated and trans fat, which can worsen inflammation.
While avoiding inflammatory foods may lessen some of the symptoms of alopecia areata, you might also consider eating more anti-inflammatory foods.
There's some anecdotal evidence that changing your diet to eat more of these foods may have a positive effect on alopecia areata. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean meats like wild-caught salmon have all been found to be beneficial for hair loss. Some research has also found that inflammatory scores are lower in people who eat dairy.
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is important, as there is a known link between the microbiome and alopecia. Try incorporating fermented foods — like yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, or sauerkraut — into your diet or taking a daily probiotic.
Jelena Danilovic/Istockphoto
2. Excessive StressStress is a natural, normal part of the human experience, and your body knows how to handle it.
When you're under stress, your body releases stress hormones that activate your fight-or-flight response and help you survive.
However, long-term stress can cause or worsen several health problems — including inflammation.
Understandably, alopecia areata may also cause emotional distress and negatively impact your self-esteem. You may be more at risk for anxiety and depression if you experience this type of hair loss.
While there isn't a direct connection between stress and alopecia areata, managing stress certainly can't hurt.
If you're dealing with psychological distress, it's important to talk to a mental health professional. You can connect with a mental health provider from your home using our online mental health services, allowing you to access support and ongoing care easily.
AaronAmat/Istockphoto
3. Too Much Sun ExposureWe know that getting too much sun isn't good for your skin. So, if you have bald patches, use sunscreen or a hat to protect areas of your skin with noticeable hair loss from UV-related damage.
diego_cervo/istockphoto
4. Not Enough Vitamin DYou shouldn't get too much sun, but some vitamin D exposure is essential. A review of studies found that people with certain autoimmune diseases may have a vitamin D deficiency.
Multiple studies have also found a link between vitamin D levels and hair growth. However, since alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, this type of hair loss isn't actually related to nutritional deficiencies.
More research is needed before we know whether low vitamin D levels could be a factor in alopecia-related hair loss.
Zinkevych/istockphoto
5. Hair Products With Harsh ChemicalsHair products with harsh chemicals like parabens or phthalates may strip the scalp of necessary bacteria, altering your skin's microbiome. As we mentioned, research shows that alterations in the gut, skin, and hair follicle microbiomes are linked to alopecia.
seb_ra/istockphoto
Ways to Treat Alopecia AreataWhile there's not much evidence supporting things to avoid when you have alopecia areata, there are ways to treat your condition.
One recommended treatment for alopecia areata is corticosteroids, which can be injected directly into the bald spot or used topically. You can also use minoxidil (brand name Rogaine), a topical cream used to encourage hair regrowth in locations where hair loss has occurred.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recently approved Olumiant, a new treatment for severe alopecia areata. This medication is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works by blocking the activity of specific enzymes and reducing inflammation.
Your healthcare provider or a dermatologist can determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of your alopecia areata, where you're losing hair, your age, your health, and other factors.
AndreyPopov/istockphoto
The Bottom Line on What to Avoid for Alopecia AreataAlopecia areata and the patchy hair loss it causes can be distressing. Plus, because this type of hair loss is caused by inflammation that attacks your hair follicles, it's unpredictable.
However, there are things you can do to take care of yourself when you have alopecia areata:
Foods that cause inflammation might aggravate your hair loss. Instead, eat an anti-inflammatory diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean meats.
Stress and inflammation are connected, so avoiding chronic stress could help alleviate alopecia areata symptoms. If you're struggling with high levels of stress or emotional distress as a result of your condition, talk to a mental health professional.
Try adding foods rich in vitamin D or a vitamin D supplement. Although more evidence is needed, some early research indicates low levels of this nutrient in those with alopecia areata.
Dealing with this hair loss can be frustrating. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about what you should avoid and what treatment options are available for alopecia areata.
This article originally appeared on Hims.Com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.Org
sasirin pamai / iStock
More from MediaFeedAshley Tisdale On Living With Alopecia: How Hair Loss Has Affected Her Health And Career
Multi-hyphenate talent Ashley Tisdale wears many hats, including singer, actor, and entrepreneur. And in recent years, she's added health advocate to that list, sharing her own experience living with hair loss.
Tisdale has alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes sudden waves of patchy hair loss, most commonly on the scalp. It affects millions of people around the world.
Now, in a partnership with pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Tisdale is sharing her story to raise awareness about the condition.
She told Health that she hopes to "start a conversation" with others who might resonate with her experiences and shed light on resources and solutions that might help.
"Opening up about my journey with this disease has helped me connect with people who have faced similar things," Tisdale said. "Being vulnerable can be hard, but it's been amazing to share what I've learned through my journey with this disease. So many people experience alopecia areata, and too many of them feel like they need to keep it to themselves. But connecting with other people who have experienced it [feels] so validating and supportive."
Alopecia is an umbrella term that refers to a group of conditions marked by partial or complete hair loss. Each of these various types of alopecia has different causes and comes with their own specific treatments—something Tisdale wasn't aware of when she first started noticing symptoms. Her story goes back to her early 20s when she was riding a career high with the success of the "High School Musical" films and her own solo music career. She remembered noticing hair loss at her hairline, at first assuming she was "just imagining things." But that all changed once she zeroed in on the amount of hair caught in her brush. "That's when I realized that, yes, I was actually experiencing hair loss," Tisdale recalled. "It made me anxious because I didn't understand why it was happening. And at first, I didn't know what to do about it." Tisdale spoke with her hair colorist, who encouraged her to get in touch with a dermatologist who could provide more clarity about what was going on. That sound advice set Tisdale on the right path, and she's "so grateful" for it. Like many people, she said, she didn't even know that a dermatologist "would be the right person to turn to." It was "the right decision that changed everything for me," Tisdale added. At age 24, Tisdale was officially diagnosed with alopecia areata. This started her on a journey to understand more about the disease and how to best manage it. Tisdale is far from alone in her experiences. Alopecia areata affects almost 7 million people in the U.S. And 160 million people globally. This form of hair loss can affect anyone at any age but tends to manifest more frequently in teens and younger adults, people with a family history of the disease, or people with certain other allergic or autoimmune conditions. Losing your hair is often upsetting, regardless of whether your career requires you to be in front of a camera. "Anyone who has experienced hair loss knows that it can be emotional to see your hair change," said Tisdale. Getting the diagnosis and having a name for her symptoms was helpful, but also brought about a "mix of emotions" for Tisdale. "I was definitely relieved to know there was a root cause for my hair loss," she said. "But I didn't know what that would mean for the future." Alopecia areata affects people differently and has various causes—experts believe these are largely either genetic or environmental, but it's not totally clear what exactly spurs this follicle-damaging immune response. For Tisdale, she believes stress has been a big trigger for her alopecia areata symptoms, she shared in an Instagram post last year. A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science pointed to the fact that the condition is "closely related to emotional stress and influenced by psychological factors." This can make preventing hair loss challenging. For Tisdale, learning to deal with stress is "an ongoing process because life is always going to have some sort of stress." "Stress is inevitable. What matters is how we respond to that stress. Practices like yoga and meditation help me a lot, and I also remind myself that not everything is something I need to worry about. I am also incredibly lucky to have friends and family who I can lean on for support," she added. "I've tried different things over the years—vitamins, massages, even scalp injections. Throughout my journey, I've worked closely with my dermatologist to decide what would work best for me." There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are various treatments to improve symptoms. Dermatologists might prescribe topical or injectable corticosteroids, followed by hair regrowth medications such as Anthralin or Minoxidil. For more widespread hair loss, people can try contact immunotherapy, which involves a healthcare professional applying a chemical to the skin. Another treatment is Litfulo, a pill from drug manufacturer Pfizer for people ages 12 and older with severe alopecia areata. Right now, Tisdale isn't taking Litfulo or any other prescriptions to manage her alopecia areata. However, she said it was important for her to join this campaign so others could have the knowledge to take control of their health. She cautioned that the drug is not for everyone and can cause serious side effects such as infections, cancer, blood clots, or an increased risk of heart-related issues or death. As with any condition, people with alopecia areata should talk to their doctor about what treatment options may work best for them. Living with a condition that has such visible symptoms can be hard for anyone, let alone a celebrity in the public eye. And though Tisdale's experience is very unique to her, the sense of discomfort and worry over hair loss is one that most people with any type of alopecia can understand. "For a long time, I hid my disease. I'd wear a hat or do a side part to cover my hair loss. I've even worn wigs for some of my acting jobs," Tisdale said. "Working in an industry that can be so focused on appearance, I've worried that the disease might impact my ability to land roles. Now that I have a strong support system, including a dermatologist, I feel more in control of my health and well-being." Her journey with this condition has dovetailed with her own entrepreneurial approach to health. She launched her own beauty and wellness brand called Frenshe in 2020, which stemmed from her own personal understanding of wellness and a desire to build community as people work to make themselves healthier. "Wellness doesn't have to be complicated or inaccessible," said Tisdale. "Everyone's wellness journey is unique, and I hope we are empowering people to be their best, authentic selves." Today, Tisdale said she's doing well. In addition to Frenshe and her alopecia areata advocacy, she's a mom of two and continues to act. But managing her hair loss hasn't always been "a linear progression," Tisdale explained. She's faced cycles of hair loss and regrowth over the years, some more severe than others. "I've noticed spots of hair loss near my hairline, and at other times, patches of hair were missing behind my ear and other places," Tisdale said. "I'm someone who likes to be in control, so it's difficult to accept that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can be so unpredictable. But I think overall, having knowledge about the disease has helped me immensely."Thanks for your feedback!
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