Medical Management of Hair Restoration
What are the Medical Management Options For Hair Restoration?
Effective medical management of hair thinning and loss depends on finding the underlying cause. A qualified healthcare professional will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis based on reviewing your signs and symptoms, performing an examination of your scalp, and testing the strength of your hair. If a correct diagnosis (like a hormone imbalance or skin infection) is determined to be causing hair loss, treating the condition will help prevent it.
Aside from this, the options of medical management options for hair restoration include the following:
Minoxidil for Management of Hair Restoration
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication available as a liquid, foam, or shampoo. The product should be applied to the scalp once a day for women and twice a day for men. Minoxidil may help slow down or stop hair thinning and stimulate regrowth of hair. It should be used for about 6 months for noticeable results. The medication must be used regularly to maintain benefits. Possible side effects include irritation of the scalp and unwanted hair growth on adjacent areas of skin. Using the medication as directed by your doctor will help maximize outcomes.
Finasteride for Management of Hair Restoration
This is a prescription medication that is available in pill form. This medication is generally prescribed for men. It should be used for a few months before it begins slowing down hair loss and causing hair regrowth. Finasteride may not be very effective for men about 60 years of age. Side effects from the medication are very rare, but they do exist and include diminished sex drive and sexual function, and increased risk of prostate cancer.
Antiandrogens for Management of Hair Restoration
These are prescription medications that inhibit the action of male sex hormones (androgens) which can damage hair follicles. These include oral contraceptives or birth control pills containing estrogen. The beneficial effects of antiandrogens in preventing hair loss and causing hair growth are seen after about 4 months of use. Long-term treatment is usually necessary to prevent the recurrence of hair loss. The medication is contraindicated for women who want to get pregnant. Possible side effects include irregular menses and drowsiness.
Corticosteroids for Management of Hair Restoration
These are prescription medications that may be indicated for the treatment of hair loss caused by autoimmune disorders, like alopecia areata, lupus, and on symptom severe disease like systemic lupus erythematosus, and lichen planopilaris. Corticosteroids suppress inflammation and other harmful effects produced by a disordered immune system. They may be used as topical creams or injected into the scalp. The injection treatment is given every 4-6 weeks. Results of treatment are usually apparent within 4-6 months. These medications should be taken only as recommended as they can cause side effects such as acne, puffiness, and thinning of the skin on the scalp.
Antifungal Medications for Management of Hair Restoration
These are medications are used for medical management of hair restoration seen in fungal infections such as scalp ringworm or tinea capitis. These must be taken in tablet form as instructed by your doctor for at least 1 month to completely cure the fungal infection. Antifungal creams and shampoos are rarely valuable. The medication is mostly well tolerated, and side effects are quite rare but may include rash, stomach upset, and diarrhea.
Antibiotics and Hair Thinning/Loss
Prolonged use of antibiotics such as penicillin and erythromycin have been known to trigger hair thinning. If it is determined that hair loss is caused using certain antibiotics, alternating antibiotic medications may be an option. Stopping medication that is causing loss or use of alternate medications should only be done as recommended by your doctor.
