Medicines That Reverse Thinning Hair & Hair Loss

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be an emotionally devastating condition for some people. It can occur in men, women and children and be caused by factors such as heredity, certain medications and underlying medical conditions. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary. The type and cause of one's alopecia influence whether or not medications may be effective in preventing further hair loss and possibly restoring hair growth. Medications currently FDA approved for treating alopecia include minoxidil, finasteride, corticosteroids and anthralin.

Minoxidil

• Minoxidil, the generic name for Rogaine, is a nonprescription medication used to treat androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness, affects large areas of the scalp and is usually attributed to hormones and heredity. Alopecia areata is patchy hair loss that can occur in healthy individuals or those with underlying medical conditions. Minoxidil is available as a liquid or foam that, when rubbed into the scalp twice daily, may promote hair growth and slow the rate of hair loss. Although the new hair growth is usually shorter and thinner than previously lost hair, it can hide bald spots or be blended with one's existing hair. Minoxidil comes in two and five percent solutions and can be used by men or women. New hair stops growing if the product is discontinued. Minoxidil use can cause scalp irritation.

Finasteride

• Finasteride, also known as Propecia and Proscar, is a once daily prescription pill used to treat male-pattern baldness. It works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotesterone, or DHT. DHT is a hormone that shrinks the hair follicles, a process that, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an important factor in male hair loss. Finasteride is not approved by the FDA for use by women and women who are pregnant should not handle the medication, as its absorption through the skin may cause serious birth defects in unborn males. Like minoxidil, new hair growth ceases if the treatment is discontinued. Side effects of finasteride use are rare and include reduced sex drive and diminished sexual function.

Corticosteroids

• Physicians may treat alopecia areata with monthly injections of cortisone. Visible hair growth typically appears one month after the first injection. The needle stick and slight tingling associated with treatment administration are generally well tolerated. Oral corticosteroid pills are stronger than localized injections and may be used for extensive hair loss. Cortisone creams and ointments are also available but tend to be less effective than scalp injections.

Anthralin

• Anthralin, or Dritho-Scalp, is a synthetic, tarry, substance typically used to treat psoriasis. In some cases, it is used to treat alopecia areata. It is a prescription medication available as an ointment, cream or paste. The daily application remains on the scalp for a prescribed amount of time and is then washed off. New hair growth may not be visible for up to 12 weeks. Skin staining and irritation are its most common side effects.