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Alopecia Treatments

Alopecia is the term used for hair loss that occurs in specific areas of the body. The most common area for alopecia to happen is the scalp. When hair loss attributed to alopecia occurs it can result in patches or large areas of baldness. Alopecia occurs in both males and females and is currently treatable but incurable.

  1. Minoxidil

    • Minoxidil (Ioniten) is most commonly known by the brand name Rogaine. This drug was originally created for the treatment of high blood pressure, but was found to grow hair as well. This drug is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of alopecia in women, and is applied topically. It is most effective in the crown area. It is available over the counter as Rogaine. Minoxidil may cause hair growth on areas of the face and body as well.

    Propecia and Proscar

    • Propecia and Proscar (finasteride) are drugs that are taken orally to treat and prevent hair loss. It is effective for hair regrowth in approximately 48 percent of men, and 77 percent of those who took the drug in a five year clinical study showed improvement. Propecia can cause fetal abnormalities and should not be taken or handled by women. Propecia has not been shown to work for women. There are some sexual side effects for a percentage of men including impotence and loss of sexual desire.

    Cortisone

    • Steroid treatments are also used to treat alopecia and are offered in cream form as a topical application, or can be taken orally. These are most effective in the treatment of Alopecia areata. Cortocosteroids are applied or injected directly into the area where hair loss has occurred. Cortisones can also be taken orally and are a more potent and effective form of the drug treatment. They treat the immune system response that is believed to cause hair loss. These treatments can cause a thinning of the skin where applied and may cause upset stomach.

    Herbal Remedy

    • Shen Min is a Chinese herb that blocks the overproduction of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen thought to contribute to hair loss in men. DHT blocks nutrients from getting to the hair follicle and effectively inhibits hair growth. The overproduction of DHT is a major contributor to the Alopecia condition. Shen Min can be purchased in health food stores and is offered in both topical ointment and pill form. This supplement is not approved by the FDA.

    Shampoo

    • Clobex (clobetasol) is a coritcosteroid medicated shampoo that is used topically to cleanse the scalp and prohibit the overproduction of DHT. The shampoo needs to be left on the scalp for 15 minutes or more and used for no more than three weeks to prevent side effects. According to medicinenet.com, side effects can include headache, skin rash, acne, dry skin and even additional hair loss.

    Zinc

    • Treatment with oral zinc has been shown to have some benefit in the treatment of alopecia. In addition, lysine supplementation is also recommended for those suffering from symptoms of alopecia. In order for zinc to be effective, very high doses are recommended. Zinc can cause vomiting and diarrhea in high doses however.

    Irritants

    • Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is an irritant that is applied to the area of the scalp where there is hair loss. Irritants are meant to induce the immune system to respond and cause cytokines to stop attacking the follicle and allow the hair to grow. The only alopecia treatments currently approved by the FDA and deemed effective are Minoxidil and Propecia.

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