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Fact or Fiction: Prescription shampoos for scalp diseases cause hair damage.

Fiction!

The two most common scalp diseases are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. People often view products that treat these conditions as harsh and medicinal. Some hair loss sufferers think they have to choose to live with the scalp problems rather than use with what they fear are harmful chemicals. However, technological now allow prescription shampoos to have the necessary medication to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis while also containing the same mild cleansers found in cosmetic shampoos. When used properly, prescription shampoos can effectively help keep your hair healthy.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Fact or Fiction: Dandruff can contribute to hair loss

FACT!

Dandruff is caused by a type of fungus called Malassezia Globosa.

This yeast-like fungus lives on the scalps of most healthy adults without causing problems. However, sometimes it grows out of control, leading to an increase in the amount of skin cells and an itching sensation on the scalp.

Continuous scratching by the fingernails can damage and even remove the cuticular scale, a protective covering on individual hairs.

This loss leaves the hair shaft weakened and permanently damaged, making it susceptible to breakage and hair loss.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Fact or Fiction: Blow-drying hair with heat can worsen hair loss

FACT!

Blow drying hair is a common morning ritual for many people. While it is a quick, convenient way to dry and style hair, blow drying damages hair high heat from a blow dryer can actually boil the water in the hair shaft leaving it brittle.

In addition, vigorous towel rubbing or combing of wet hair also can cause hair loss, since wet hair is more elastic and more vulnerable to breakage than dry hair.

In order to minimize hair shaft damage hair should be allowed to at least partially air dry before styling and combing.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

"I have had severe hair loss over the year's. I take thyroid hormones and have psoriasis. What can I do?

 Dear Catherine

Thank you for your enquiry,

Psoriasis is characterised by the presence of red, raised patches covered by silvery-white scales, which is caused by an abnormally fast cell division rate in the epidermis layer of the skin and is a genetically determined disorder.  This condition often leads to increased shedding of hairs in the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle and some reduction in hair density.

To treat this condition, we would recommend an intensive 12-month treatment course of:

PSORIADERM

Description: A powerful keratolytic (scale-removing) agent with anti-pruritic and antiseptic properties for cases of heavy scaling and erythema.

Contents: Aqua, Isopropyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Juniperus Oxycedrus, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana, Glycerin, Menthol, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Linoleic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Linolenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, PABA, CI 17200, CI 18140, CI 42090.

Mode of Action: Psoriaderm contains keratolytic agents to soften and remove compacted scaling from the skin.  Anti-pruritic agents reduce the irritation and erythema and antiseptic agents prevent secondary infection.  Psoriaderm contains additional cooling and emollient properties.

Directions for Use:
1)    Draw 1ml into the syringe and apply to the top area of your scalp twice a day.  The hair should be dry or at least towel-dried to ensure the lotion is not diluted.
2)    Massage the scalp gently until the lotion is absorbed and then leave on until your hair is next washed.  Wash your hands afterwards.

We hope this covers everything, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure of anything or require further advice regarding the treatment recommended for you.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Understanding and treating hair loss

Hair loss is a well-known side-effect of cancer therapy and around half of women lose more hair than usual after giving birth.

However, there are conditions where the hair loss can be permanent that are less well known or understood. The most common alopecia conditions in women include:

Telogen effluvium: General shedding and thinning of the hair. This usually occurs a few months after a shock to the system, such as extreme stress, fever, childbirth, sudden weight loss, an operation or as a reaction to medication. The hair loss is usually temporary.

Alopecia areata: Affects about one in 100 people, mostly teenagers and young adults. Symptoms include patchy hair loss. This condition is linked to a problem with the immune system. The hair follicles are not permanently damaged, and in many of these cases the hair grows back in a few months.

One proven treatment for female-pattern baldness is Minoxidil. This is a lotion that you rub on your scalp every day.

Most users see improvements, including a halt to the balding, or slowing down, as well as thicker hair. Up to 25 percent of women experience hair regrowth.

Other solutions include wigs, hair transplants (taking hair from the sides and back of the head) and plastic surgery (such as scalp reduction, where the bald area is removed and the bit with hair on is stretched forward).

There is no effective treatment for alopecia areata. Some treatments can encourage hair to grow, such as steroid injections or creams, or Minoxidil lotion. In 60 percent to 80 percent of cases, the hair grows back after about a year without any treatment.

There is another treatment, called Finasteride, available only for men. This is taken in tablet form. It works by preventing the hormone testosterone being converted to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

About 80 percent of men who take Finasteride see improvements. Side effects are uncommon, although about two per cent of users experience loss of sex drive.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help