Dealing with hair loss, then and now From pigeon droppings, toupees, surgery and more!
October 12, 2001 | 12:00am
In ancient Egypt, men who suffered from hair loss smeared their scalps with animal fats and other potions in the hopes of growing hair, or bedecked themselves in elaborate wigs. In 400B.C., Hippocrates – the father of medicine, tried to treat his hair loss with a concoction that included opium, horseradish, and pigeon droppings, among other ingredients.
The search for luxurious locks also included offbeat strategies such as standing on one’s head (to improve blood flow to the scalp), massaging the scalp with mild electrical currents, and sipping tea brewed from the aptly named maidenhair fern.
Vitamins – taken internally or applied topically – are the subject of many unproven claims for "nourishing" hair, scalp, or follicles back to health. It is true that a diet that contains adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. But hair is biologically inactive once it emerges from the follicle and breaks through the scalp. So although applying vitamins or any substance to the hair or scalp may cause a temporary and superficial change in texture or appearance, it has no effect on the hair loss process.
Other so-called "treatments" on the market include specialized shampoos and conditioners that are absorbed into the top layer of the hair shaft, making hair appear thicker, and cosmetic efforts such as hairpieces or toupees that seek to hide the problem. Hair weaves can look and feel close to the real thing, but must be done by a qualified professional.
A more invasive option for those determined not to live with hair loss is hair restoration surgery for which a dermatologist must be consulted to find out whether the procedure is best for an individual.
In the mid-1980s, minoxidil became the first medically proven topical remedy for hair loss. Minoxidil was first available for the treatment of high blood pressure. When applied to the scalp as a lotion at a recommended frequency for several months, minoxidil causes noticeable hair regrowth about 20 to 40 percent of the time. Scientists do not fully understand how minoxidil works they speculate that the drug may increase scalp blood flow by dilating tiny blood vessels. It also may prolong the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.
Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is an inherited condition caused by a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of a naturally occurring compound called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and by increased levels of DHT, which is believed to adversely affect the hair growth cycle.
DHT contributes to shortening of the growing phase of hair, progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, and a decrease in the number of terminal hairs.
Finasteride for MPHL or Propecia works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the production of DHT. By inhibiting the enzyme’s pathway, finasteride for MPHL helps prevent follicle shrinkage and results in prevention of further hair loss.
Clinical studies have shown that finasteride therapy lowers the level of DHT in the bloodstream by about 70%. At this lower level of DHT, hair follicles may be spared from its harmful effects. Again, results with finasteride in two placebo-controlled clinical studies showed that 86 percent of men with vertex hair loss taking MSD’s new treatment maintained or showed an increase in the amount of hair based on hair count. Assessments of patient photographs by a panel of expert dermatologists reported that 48 percent of men treated with finasteride for male pattern hair loss had improved hair growth compared with 7 percent on placebo (sugar pill).
Finasteride for MPHL must be taken indefinitely to prevent further hair loss and retain any hair regrowth. It takes time for improvement to be noticed – usually beginning at three months for those who respond. Finasteride is indicated for use in men only.
Men seeking additional information about hair loss and finasteride at the appropriate dose for MPHL (Propecia) should consult a dermatologist. Only a doctor can determine the best treatment for MPHL and he can determine if finasteride is right for an individual. For more information, call 878-6338 or 1-800-1-888-6737 (for outside Metro Manila).
The search for luxurious locks also included offbeat strategies such as standing on one’s head (to improve blood flow to the scalp), massaging the scalp with mild electrical currents, and sipping tea brewed from the aptly named maidenhair fern.
Vitamins – taken internally or applied topically – are the subject of many unproven claims for "nourishing" hair, scalp, or follicles back to health. It is true that a diet that contains adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. But hair is biologically inactive once it emerges from the follicle and breaks through the scalp. So although applying vitamins or any substance to the hair or scalp may cause a temporary and superficial change in texture or appearance, it has no effect on the hair loss process.
Other so-called "treatments" on the market include specialized shampoos and conditioners that are absorbed into the top layer of the hair shaft, making hair appear thicker, and cosmetic efforts such as hairpieces or toupees that seek to hide the problem. Hair weaves can look and feel close to the real thing, but must be done by a qualified professional.
A more invasive option for those determined not to live with hair loss is hair restoration surgery for which a dermatologist must be consulted to find out whether the procedure is best for an individual.
In the mid-1980s, minoxidil became the first medically proven topical remedy for hair loss. Minoxidil was first available for the treatment of high blood pressure. When applied to the scalp as a lotion at a recommended frequency for several months, minoxidil causes noticeable hair regrowth about 20 to 40 percent of the time. Scientists do not fully understand how minoxidil works they speculate that the drug may increase scalp blood flow by dilating tiny blood vessels. It also may prolong the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.
Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is an inherited condition caused by a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of a naturally occurring compound called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and by increased levels of DHT, which is believed to adversely affect the hair growth cycle.
DHT contributes to shortening of the growing phase of hair, progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, and a decrease in the number of terminal hairs.
Finasteride for MPHL or Propecia works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the production of DHT. By inhibiting the enzyme’s pathway, finasteride for MPHL helps prevent follicle shrinkage and results in prevention of further hair loss.
Clinical studies have shown that finasteride therapy lowers the level of DHT in the bloodstream by about 70%. At this lower level of DHT, hair follicles may be spared from its harmful effects. Again, results with finasteride in two placebo-controlled clinical studies showed that 86 percent of men with vertex hair loss taking MSD’s new treatment maintained or showed an increase in the amount of hair based on hair count. Assessments of patient photographs by a panel of expert dermatologists reported that 48 percent of men treated with finasteride for male pattern hair loss had improved hair growth compared with 7 percent on placebo (sugar pill).
Finasteride for MPHL must be taken indefinitely to prevent further hair loss and retain any hair regrowth. It takes time for improvement to be noticed – usually beginning at three months for those who respond. Finasteride is indicated for use in men only.
Men seeking additional information about hair loss and finasteride at the appropriate dose for MPHL (Propecia) should consult a dermatologist. Only a doctor can determine the best treatment for MPHL and he can determine if finasteride is right for an individual. For more information, call 878-6338 or 1-800-1-888-6737 (for outside Metro Manila).
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