HAIR FALL TREATMENT

Hair can be a status symbol or can reflect our health. Hair science has grown tremendously over last few years. Many products, procedures and technologies are coming up to save and regrow hair and avoid baldness or thinning.

Taking care of your hair is very important and you should consult to an expert as soon as you notice excessive hair loss, thinning or baldness.

During early period of hair loss, medications can prevent baldness. In advanced case of hair loss, male pattern baldness and in select cases in females hair transplant surgery is required.

In males & females, there are various grades of baldness according to the area as shown

Early stages of baldness can be treated with medications. The effects can last till they are used and few months later.

Medications:
1. Minoxidil solution (2%,5%,10%): It has been used for many years now to treat hair fall. It is used by applying on the scalp one or two times a day. It increases the blood supply of scalp skin and increases the nourishment of hair.

Side effects can be hot flushes, redness, itching, hair growth at the other areas of contact, allergy, palpitation etc. It needs to be cautiously used in patients with heart disease.

How to apply: Clean and dry the scalp area before applying the medication. To use the solution, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medication (to the 1 milliliter line), or use 20 drops. Part your hair in the area of thinning and apply the solution evenly to the affected area of the scalp. Gently rub in. Allow the solution to dry completely before using other styling products (e.g., gels, mousse) or before going to bed. To use the foam, rinse your hands in cold water and dry well. Apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the scalp and rub in gently. Allow the foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed.
If scalp irritation is a problem, you may need to avoid using Minoxidil on the same days that you have your hair coloured or chemically treated.
Do not use on other parts of the body unless directed by our doctor. Do not use on skin that is red, painful, irritated, scraped, cut, or infected. Wash hands thoroughly after application. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water.

2. Finasteride: Available in tablet as well as topical form, this drug blocks the action of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on hair roots which is the main cause of male pattern baldness.

Side effects are rare in small dose used for hair fall and are reversible but can be
• Impotence
• Loss of interest in sex,
• Trouble having an orgasm,
• Abnormal ejaculation,
• Swelling in your hands or feet,
• Swelling or tenderness in your breasts,
• Dizziness,
• Weakness,
• Feeling faint,
• Headache,
• Runny nose, or
• Skin rash.

In some men, finasteride can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless. Finasteride may also increase hair growth. The sexual side effects of finasteride may continue after you stop taking it. Talk to our doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.
The recommended dose of finasteride is one tablet (1-5 mg) taken once a day. Other drugs may interact with finasteride. Tell our doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Finasteride is not recommended for use in women and must not be used during pregnancy. This medication is not usually used in women. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

3. PRP therapy (Platelet rich plasma): Around 10 - 20 ml of blood is taken and centrifuged to separate the plasma part of it which is rich in platelet cell and growth factors. This is injected into the scalp under local anesthesia. It delivers the growth factors at the hair roots, stops hair loss and improves density. The injections need to be taken every 3-4 weeks depending upon the condition.