Scalpmeds – Hair Loss, Itchy Irritated Scalp Conditions, Treatments & Remedies

Many scalp conditions such as irritated or itchy scalp infections and hair loss can stem from causes which are related. There are quite a few different factors that can cause scalp and hair problems that may seem to elude our understanding, but there are also some very common factors that most of us don’t realise we can take control of.

Understanding how natural scalp remedies &/or scalpmed treatments can help to soothe our scalps, and more importantly understand the causes so we can eliminate or at least reduce them. It can be a lot simpler than you might think.

For example learning about how our follicles respond to different shampoo ingredients or hormones like DHT from testosterone.

Conditions like sore scalp and hair loss can be attributed to conditions such as a reaction to certain common shampoo ingredients that a surprising number of people have averse reactions to….some of these can cause flaking, dandruff or itchy scalp and corrode hair follicles resulting in hair loss.

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people particularly males but also an increasing number of females. For some people it can be devastating to their self esteem.

Prescription drugs as scalpmeds are a very common choices for dealing with scalp and hair loss issues. The two most popular and only FDA approved drugs that deal with hair loss are Rogaine and Propecia. Rogaine is a topical treatment that you apply to the scalp, aiding hair growth and inhibiting hair loss. Propecia is an oral pill that is designed to help maintain hair count. These are usually prescribed together as a solution by doctors.

Hair restoration surgery is another option where surgery is undertaken to take hair from other areas of the head and place it in areas where hair loss has occurred. This is a natural looking solution, fast and long term. The downside is that not everyone can afford surgery and it’s also a big deal to some people having any kind of surgery.

Luckily there are natural ways to deal with the causes of hair loss by using beneficial hair products and shampoos. There are also natural oils that are rumoured to (and shown in studies) to help with encouraging hair growth such as lavender oil.

Let’s have a look at the different types or categories of hair loss, and then look at some of the scalp med options available to you.

Mens Hair Loss

Symptoms include:

1. Receding hairline

2. Moderate to extensive hair loss, especially on the crown of the head.

About ninety-five percent of hair loss in men can be attributed to Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness).

For some men hair loss can start from as early as age 20 but for most male’s hair loss is only noticeable from the age of about 35 onwards.

Factors affecting baldness are suggested to included age, heredity and the male hormone testosterone.

The main culprit is DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is a combination of testosterone and androgen receptors mixed with sebum and dirt particles. The hair follicles are particularly sensitive to DHT may shrink when exposed to it and eventually the hair thins than falls out.

Other causes of hair loss can include scalp inflammations, infections, and nutritional deficiency in your diet, illness, and severe stress

DHT & Androgens: DHT is a naturally occurring human hormone, related to production of testosterone. DHT is present form birth but can increase from the onset of puberty. DHT causes changes in men’s biology affecting their hair follicles.

In follicles, are DHT and structures called “Androgen Receptors”. These regulate normal hair growth.

DHT and Androgen Receptors combine to carry out the creation of normal proteins in follicles, which regulate the health, growth, and resting cycles of a follicle.

As men age, these two processes change and too much DHT can be produced thus manifesting as an overabundance of this activity which effects the normal growth regulating process that goes on in the follicle. In the normal hair cycle it grows, rests, and re-grows again. When DHT and the Androgen receptors are in too much supply this can extend the resting time of the cycle and weaken hair follicles.

Inflammation:The process described above initiates what is called an autoimmune response. To put it in layman’s terms, follicles experiencing the above process are being treated as a foreign body and are rejected. This really sums up what male pattern baldness is.

Telltale signs and symptoms of the autoimmune response can include tingling, itching, burning or redness, and inflammation of the scalp. This isn’t always the case but is very common. Inflammation is considered one of the other major factors which exacerbate the hair loss process. It’s vital to ensure you are using a good shampoo that does not further irritate the scalp with ingredients such as Sulphates known to irritate skin and eye membranes.

Ladies Hair Loss:

Scalp Inflammations: Our skin and scalp is the largest organ of the body. This isn’t really something most of us think about, but this is the organ that is most exposed to the environment. Like the rest of our body, it’s important that our skin maintains a balance that enables it to regenerate itself. This can be easier said than done – especially when we bombard it with all manner of substances and the elements. Our skin and scalps produce sebum for protection and balance. However, we use products to clean them without questioning how they affect the delicate balance of body etc.

One other side effect of some products’ ingredients is that they can corrode hair follicles and disturb hormones – which control the natural resting and growth cycles of hair. Yes hair has cycles of growth and resting. This is why pregnancy and hormonal changes throughout and later in life can influence our hair thickness and health.

Post Pregnancy Hair Loss: It’s quite common for women to lose an increased amount of hair during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Some say this is the result of hormonal changes. It is considered to be normal temporary cycle and hair can be expected to regrow in time.

Female Telogen Effluvium: Telogen Effluvium is a condition where a larger number of follicles than usual enter the resting phase that hair follicles go through. Symptoms are a diffuse thinning of hair over the scalp, resulting in reduced overall hair density. It is caused by hormonal imbalances, and vitamin deficiencies.

The good news is that the vast majority of people with TE can see a full recovery of hair fullness. To treat TE, it’s important to repair the imbalance detected in blood tests and/or stimulate hair growth until the condition causing the TE ceases. You can use natural oils such as Lavender and Rosemary to help stimulate hair re growth as well as by taking care to avoid certain chemicals which can corrode hair follicles such as Sulphates.

Alopecia Areata

this is a common condition which effects as many as 1 in 1,000 people at any time. It is much less common than Androgenic Alopecia due to DHT. Alopecia Areata. Sometimes bodily imbalances can cause this and can be helped or cured by correcting several factors which can be detected with blood tests which can reveal the most common causes such as medications, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid malfunctions, anemia, syphilis, and arthritis.

It’s also quite often caused by a response of the immune system where the body has mistaken the hair follicles as a foreign body and rejects them.

The good news is that if an imbalance in a person’s system, which if rectified, can result in complete regrowth of hair.

Non Surgical Options: Scalpmed Treatments Available:

Growth Stimulants

Minoxidil 2% or 5% (growth stimulant)

Crinagen (contains growth stimulant properties)

Revivogen (contains growth stimulant properties)

Nizoral 1% Shampoo (growth stimulant)

Proxiphen (contains growth stimulant properties)

Copper peptide treatments: are treatments that specialize in shortening the resting phase of the follicle. Some are listed below:

Tricomin Therapy Spray (copper peptide treatment)

Folligen (copper peptide treatment from the makers of Tricomin)

DHT Inhibitors – Work to inhibit the binding of Testosterone and 5-Alpha Reductase, which in turn keeps DHT levels as close to normal as possible, which in turn helps keep hair growth and loss regulation at its normal healthy state. These treatments really deal with the cause of hair loss.

Growth Stimulating Remedies Or Drugs– These can artificially stimulate growth, without actually dealing with hair loss at the cause of the problem. While this may sound like an ineffective method, growth stimulators are actually a very successful way to reverse the balding process – or help to restore hair follicle health after you have removed the cause.

Super Oxide Dismutase – Or SOD’s: these hair loss treatments work by handling the immune response which occurs as a result of excessive DHT in the follicle. Your immune system protects itself against invading viruses, cells, and foreign tissues by releasing Super Oxide, which helps to defend the body, but also makes the body reject hair follicles. What SOD’s do is to reduce Super Oxide, lessening the body’s desire to reject the follicle. SOD’s have growth stimulation properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. There are natural sources of SOD including supplements including melon-derived SOD oral supplements.

Antiandrogens: – These scalpmed treatments work by inhibiting DHT from binding to the Androgen receptor. As we know, this is one of the steps in the chain of chemical reactions which ultimately leads to hair loss. DHT Inhibitors eliminate the first chemical interaction and stop it from occurring early on, whereas Antiandrogens work on inhibiting one of the last interactions before follicle damage happens. These treatments work as inhibitors but at different times during the process.

Products such as Revivogen are known to be vey effective in treating DHT related hair loss.

Anti-Inflammatory’s: Either medical formulations or natural anti-inflammatories such as essential oils can be effective by reducing inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking. A surprising number of itchy burning scalp irritations can also be caused as a result of an allergic reaction to shampoo ingredients stimulating an immune response, which can make hair loss even worse if not controlled. One culprit is SLS (Sodium Laureth or Lauryl Sulphate). Sodium lauryl sulfate dissolves the oils on your skin, which causes a drying effect. It is also well documented that it denatures skin proteins, which causes not only irritation, but also allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower, sensitive layers of the skin. It also corrodes the hair follicle and impedes hair growth. It has been blamed for many cases of premature hair loss and it takes hair longer to grow when it has been affected by SLS.

Natural Remedies: There are many natural remedies you can use to soothe & alleviate the symptoms and help the healing process. Oils Known to Stimulate Hair Growth Are: Rosemary, Hissop, Neroli, Lavender (lavender has been shown in studies to increase hair growth in some test subjects by 30%), it’s also very calming & effective in relieving sore inflamed scalp.

There are other remedies for soothing and healing scalp conditions that have long been treated with scalp meds like Rogaine or Nizoral. It’s good to know there are ways to help your scalp get back to balance and thus creating an environment for healthy hair.

Male Pattern Baldness and Propecia

Men of all nationalities are affected by male pattern baldness. Approximately 25% show signs of hair loss by the age of 30, increasing to two-thirds by the age of 60. The cause is usually a genetic oversensitivity to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair loss in men is characterised by the ‘receding hairline’ – where hair recedes from the lateral sides of the forehead.

There are only two hair loss treatments that have been clinically proven to stop hair loss and promote re-growth. These are Minoxidil and Propecia.

Propecia is only available to men over the age of 18. The active ingredient in Propecia, Finasteride, was first approved for use in 1992 to treat prostate enlargement. Users noticed an increase in hair growth after taking the drug. There have since been two clinical studies by Merck Pharmaceuticals on the effects of Propecia , a 2 year study and a 5 year study.

In the 2 year study, of the 535 men taking Propecia, 99% had visible results: 66% had visible re-growth and 33% had no further hair loss. In the 5 year study, of the 279 men taking Propecia, 90% had visible results: 48% has visible re-growth and 42% suffered no further hair loss. Propecia works by reducing DHT levels in the scalp and thereby appears to inhibit the shrinking action of hair follicles. Once the shrinking action is controlled, the hair starts to re-grow.

As with all medications, there are some side effects. A small number of men experienced minor sexual side effects: less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection and a decrease in the amount of semen. These are uncommon, occurring in less than 2% of men. All side effects went away either a short time after commencing treatment or when treatment was stopped. For those considering taking Propecia, it is recommended to get guidance from a medical professional.

Although the cause for baldness in men is nearly always DHT, it can affect men differently. Medical experts with experience of treating male pattern baldness have found that combining Propecia with Minoxidil enhances the treatment, producing faster results. There are also hair growth boosters that can supplement these medications by creating a treatment programme tailored for the individual.

Author: Sophie Crane
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Hair Loss Treatments

Hair loss treatments are defined as the clinical methods or clinical procedures to restore, and re-grow the hair if you are suffering from any kind of hair loss or hair fall problem.
Hair loss treatments are broadly divided into three categories:

Medical Treatment for Hair Loss, Propecia, Rogaine, Avodart, Nizoral
Hair Transplants
Non Surgical Hair Replacement

Medical Treatments for Hair Loss Treatments
Propecia and Rogaine are the two FDA approved medicines for hair loss treatment. Propecia is the pill and Rogaine is a topical lotion available in different strengths.

Propecia
Propecia is the oral pill of 1mg used once in a day. Chemically it is the enzyme inhibitor that inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) that as a result makes the hair thin and in each cycle hair gets thinner, finer and finally stops growing. Propecia blocks this enzyme and maintains existing hair and promotes the re-growth of hair follicles. It also converts thinner hair into thicker hair and improves the texture.

Rogaine
Rogaine is the topical lotion available in 5% liquid solution in a range of strengths from regular to extra strength. It is used to treat both men and women. It increases the protein content of hair that allows hair follicle to make new hair. It is considered a hypertrichotic agent. Rogaine was first discovered as a side effect of high blood pressure medicines. It was further investigated to treat hair loss and it has found to be effective treatment for hair loss.

Avodart and Nizoral
Avodart and Nizoral are the two products that show effective results when treating hair loss, but they are not FDA approved. Physicians recommend using these drugs at least for 6 to 8 months. Short term treatment is not effective to solve the problem effectively.

Hair Transplants
Hair transplant is the surgical method to treat hair loss or baldness. Doctor redistributes the hairs from thick area to bald areas. Transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Minimal pain has been reported during the surgery.

Steps of Hair Transplant Surgery

* Scalp is thoroughly cleaned.
* Area with normal hair growth is anesthetized with small needles. And after that portion of hairy scalp is removed with a scalpel and saved for the next step. Then the scalp is stitched properly to close.
* Next step is removal of scalp from each hair with sharp blades and magnifying glass.
* Final step is the cleaning and preparing of the portion of scalp that has these healthy hairs to be transplanted. Scalp of this area is anesthetized with small needles and very fine holes are made in scalp and the healthy hair are carefully grafted in these holes. In a single sitting hundreds and thousands of hair are successfully transplanted.

However certain risks are related to hair transplant. The most common complication is bleeding, infection and scaring. It is also possible that the transplanted hairs fail to give you desired looks. They may look unnatural; this problem has been solved in modern techniques. Transplanted hair starts growing normally only after several months of treatment. As transplanted hair is permanent they do not require extra care. Use of pain killers is advised for many days. Surgical dressing must be put on for a day or two. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed to use after surgery.

Hair Cloning
Hair cloning is the process in which hair are removed from hair follicle and grown out side and then grafted over the areas where it is required. Hair cloning will be the next significant treatment to treat hair loss.

Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
It is a very affordable option for individuals who suffer from significant hair loss and want their previous look back without having any surgery. Some companies are making very fine natural looking hairpieces. Hair piece has been available in market with different names like Hair System, Toupees, Strand-by-strand Insertion System, Hairpieces etc.

The Base of Hair System
Prostheses are used as base for the hair system on which hair are tied or injected.

Materials
Polymers and meshes both independently or in combination are used to make base of the hair system.

Mesh Fabric
Mesh fabrics are made up of polyesters or nylon. They are used to make only hair line or some times entire system. It gives very natural look. It is light in weight and comfortable to wear. In contrast it is very expensive and less durable, due to this it has to be replaced frequently.

Polymers
Silicone or polyurethane is the main component of polymer. Base made from this material gives appearance of scalp or skin. It is more durable than mesh fabric. It is very inexpensive, durable, easy to attach. But it has certain disadvantages too. It is extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear and gives artificial look.

Hair in the Hair Piece
Hair piece is made up of human hair that matches with the hair of the client. In color, texture, nature of curl or wave or straightness as well as thickness. Cheaper hair system is made up of moderate quality human hair, animal hair, or artificial fibers. Expensive and medium priced hair systems are made up of European hairs that grow on large scales in wide variety of color, textures, densities and curls, wave or straight. Very low priced hair piece is made up of Asian black straight hair. Asian hair are very strong they can be bleach or dyed.

Attaching Hair Piece
The method to attach hairpiece may cause hair loss as glue and clips are used to attach hair pieces.

Semi-Permanent Attached Hairpieces
Such hair pieces are only attached and removed by hair practitioner after every six weeks. Such hair pieces are attached with adhesive substances like glue.

Different kinds of glue material are marketed in hair industry with different names. Such as poly fuse, natural bond, poly bond etc.

Temporary Adhesive Attached Hair Pieces
It is very easy type of attachment. You can remove it any time whenever you want. Double sided tape is used to stick hair pieces. However beware as these kinds of hairpieces can be detached due to heavy sweating and during swimming.

Clip Attachment
Metal clips are also used to attach hair pieces in a secure way. It is very easy to remove the hair piece.

These are the major types of hair loss treatments commonly available in the market. You can select any treatment of your choice or go for doctor’s prescribed treatment.

Author: Mary Solomon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin expert

The Drug Propecia and Hair Loss

The drug propecia is a prescription hair loss medication designed mainly for men with mild to moderate hair loss. The effects of hair loss and propecia were studied in several clinical trials, and propecia was found to be better than a placebo.

The men in the studies, aged between 18 and 41, took propecia daily for a year. Some men took a placebo. Of the men who took the propecia, 86% either did not suffer further hair loss, or actually increased the amount of hair in the affected areas. Only 14% of men had continued hair loss.

The drug propecia has been found to be ineffective for women. This, combined with the potential danger of abnormalities to a male fetus, means that propecia is not prescribed for female pattern hair loss. Propecia has not been studied in older men, or men with complete baldness, and it has not been proved to work with a receding hairline. Propecia is not suitable for children, no doubt due to its negative effect on developing male genitals.

Generally, propecia is a very safe drug for hair loss. Most men taking it did not have any side effects, though some reported:

* erection difficulties

* reduced amount of semen

* less sexual desire

These were not permanent changes, and when those affected stopped taking propecia, their symptoms disappeared. Some men who reported these side effects were also able to continue taking propecia without the side effects continuing. The report I saw did not say whether the side effects just stopped, or if other treatment was undertaken to counteract them.

The drug propecia has only been studied on men for up to two years, and these men had no problems taking it for this period. However, based on research over a period of 32 years on men who are deficient on the enzyme that propecia suppresses, 5-alpha reductase, the mechanism by which propecia works seems to be quite safe for long term use.

Disadvantages of Taking Propecia

Propecia is not a cure for hair loss. Propecia works by interrupting the conversion process of testosterone to its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short). It does this by effecting the enzyme catalyst, 5-alpha reductase, that is involved in the conversion process. In male pattern hair loss, there is an excess of DHT in the part of the scalp where hair loss occurs. So, by reducing the amounts of DHT in the scalp, propecia effectively works to prevent new hair loss, and allows hair to regrow. However, to continue the benefits of propecia, you’ll need to take it for the rest of your life. Once you stop taking propecia, the DHT levels will rise again in the scalp, and hair loss will return to pre-propecia levels.

The Drug Propecia and Pregnancy

Women should be very careful not to handle propecia if they are pregnant, as it can affect the development of the sex organs in a male fetus. So, it would be wise not to touch any open packets, or broken tablets. If you must, use a glove. Unbroken tablets are safety coated, so the active ingredient of propecia, which is the potential problem, is not present on the outside of the tablet.

For men taking propecia, if your wife is pregnant, there is no risk to her unless she is exposed to the active ingredient from a broken tablet. She, or the baby, won’t be harmed when her partner is taking it.

However, given that in some men propecia affects the amount of semen produced, if you are trying to conceive this may pose a problem. This side effect does not affect all, or most, men. But check with your doctor if you think this may be a concern.

References:

1. medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/p/propecia.htm

2. dermnetnz.org/treatments/finasteride.html

Author: Rebecca Prescott
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker

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