Hair Loss Problem

It doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are, because any individual can suffer from hair loss. “Alopecia” is a generic term that covers all kinds of hair loss. Although hair loss can be a confusing, and even distressing problem, there are a number of treatments for hair loss available today.

The most common type of alopecia is androgenetic alopecia, or common male and female pattern baldness. There are medications available for men, such as Propecia, that are highly effective in treating this condition. Propecia both prevents further baldness by halting shrinking hair follicles, and causes growth at the same time.

For women, the most effective treatment is a topical cream called Minoxidil. Doctors are hesitant to prescribe systemic medicines for women due to the effect it has on the female body compared to that of men. Some medications will lower androgen levels in the body, which is why topical treatments are used instead.

A relatively small number of pediatric office visits each year occur because of hair loss in children. Hair loss in children can usually be resolved easily. Children experience hair loss because of extreme stresses, such as a death or severe injury. Other reasons children might lose hair include damage to the follicles or an attack by the immune system.

Non-surgical hair replacement is a treatment for loss that is available to men, women, and children. Hairpieces can be purchased and affixed directly to the head, either temporarily or permanently. Real human hair is used in the best pieces. They are a fantastic option for many people. Price plus the regular maintenance required are a couple of drawbacks associated with this option.

Surgical hair restoration is another of the many choices available as a treatment for hair loss. Hair that has been taken from the rear of the head is then transplanted to the areas that have balded. To find a qualified surgeon, research is required, as it would be with any surgery.

Future treatments for hair loss are being researched today. Hair follicle cloning, and gene therapy are just a couple of the solutions being researched. For these to be viable options, the DNA that creates the problem must be located. If new hair could be grown and then transplanted, it would provide even better results than the transplants that are performed today. Today, hair is harvested and redistributed, which helps, but doesn’t always result in the full look that clients desire.

Hair loss management is another option that is being investigated, including treatments that can be put directly onto the head to create the appearance of more voluminous hair. Hairpieces of the future will be made from better quality materials and be unnoticeable.

There are a number of opportunities available to those suffering from hair loss to find support, both within their communities and online. There is even a radio show broadcast out of Los Angeles that specifically deals with the emotional issues that arise due to excessive hair loss. Information about treatments for hair loss and how to deal with it is also available in books and other publications. Non-profit organizations are also a great resource for hair loss support.

Mary Ann Stevens is a professional writer on the different hair loss remedies and maintains a website about hair loss treatments where you can find answers to the rest of your questions.