October 2006 – Page 6

October 23, 2006

My Earliest Dermatology Appointment Is Months Away – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

hi doctor
I took steroids and now its been over 3 months since I stopped and my hair still keeps on falling out. I am trying to make an appointment with dermatologist and I cant get an earlier day than january 10th. In my opinion if I will wait that long my hair will be totaly gone by that time. I wonder is my DHT will ever get normal on its own. I dont know what to do. its very sad that I just turned 23 and I am going to be bald.

Try to see a good family doctor then. If you are a young man and have stopped the offending steroids, then a good doctor can easily prescribe Propecia for you. If you are in California, the wait for seeing either Dr. Pak or myself is not more than a couple of weeks.

October 23, 2006

More on Rogaine Foam – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

In a previous post, I discussed Rogaine Foam when it just came to market. There appears to be good information now that the foam delivery system for Rogaine seems to increase the effectiveness of the medication by a factor greater than two. With greater effectiveness as measured by increasing blood levels, one could and should assume that the delivery into the skin is more effective than the traditional oil or alcohol base of the ‘old’ standard product. Greater skin delivery will almost certainly bring better benefits. Time, of course, will tell us what it all means, but for the moment, I would recommend using this product and sticking with it for a full 8 months before drawing conclusions one way or the other.

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October 23, 2006

How Did I Get Fungus On My Head? – Balding Blog

I recently discovered a patch of my hair is missing in the middle of my head, the area is very tender and itchy. I went to a dr and he told me it was a fungus. Other than taking the meds I don’t know what type of fungus it is or how to keep it from happening again. Or if my hair will even grow back.All I was told was he saw that there was a black head in it……Iam confused

The appearance of a fungal infection may reflect:

other diseases that you have (example could be HIV positive people)
conditions on the scalp that change (wet conditions, sweat, gels or topicals)
certain medications may make you prone to these like those which treat heart and kidney transplant patients
a change in climate (people who travel may come back with these infections)
poor hygiene
injuries and wounds
unknown causes (see: MedlinePlus – Tinea capitis)

If you are confused, I suggest that you ask your doctor to clear up the confusion for you.

October 23, 2006

Hair Falling Out — Lighter Color Near Bulb – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 21 (about to be 22) year old male and I am currently in between a NW 2 and 3 on the balding scale. I’ve been taking propecia for about 4 months with decent results.

My question is, when I examine hair that has fallen out of my head, it appears that the hair is lighter colored at the base of the hair (near the bulb) than up around the middle and tip. Is this a sign that the hair has thinned or is it normal for hair to be lighter near the base?

You did not state your hair color. In blonde, gray or white haired people, the bulb is lighter. In hair that is near the end of its life, the pigment changes may be lighter in color as is hair that is about to go into telogen. If you are worried about balding, then get your hair mapped out for miniaturization to determine what is actually going on in your hair.

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October 20, 2006

Successful Hair Regrowth After Treating Hypothyroidism? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 35 year old female who was recently diagnosed with “borderline” hypothyroidism.

I discoved this issue after I sought medical attention for sudden diffuse hair loss that had been going on for about 5 months. (I finally stopped believing people who told me it was just stress!)

I am starting with a .025 Synthroid treatment.

My question is, Is there a chance that my hair loss will stop and reverse? This is a huge concern and I have not seen very many success stories on the internet. My Dr. says it is very likely that this will happen once we treat the underlying issue (hypothyroidism) but what are that statistics of successful hair regrowth? Are there other treatments I should ask my Dr about regarding this side effect?

Thank you.

The answer is not a simple yes or no. The hair goes through cycles and the rest period between cycles is 3-7 months. That means to me that if you wait out this timing after the thyroid has returned to normal, then you will probably know the answer. The variable is your genetic clock. Are you carrying the genetic hair loss gene? Did the hypothyroidism trigger expression of that gene? No way to really tell, unfortunately.

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October 20, 2006

Spots Suddenly Appearing in Moustache and Beard – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 25 year old male. A couple of months ago i noticed a tiny bald spot in the moustache after shaving. I ignored it then. Today such spots have appeared all over the moustache and beard. My hair is perfectly fine. I am extremely worried. Please advise what i should do.

See a dermatologist to make a diagnosis. Things like fungal infections or autoimmune problems could be the cause. Get an expert opinion.

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October 20, 2006

Rogaine for Different Races? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

how would you recommend rogaine for black women? could i get by with washing my hair only 2-3 times weekly with its use?

I am not sure I understand your question. Rogaine (minoxidil) does not discriminate between races. Use it as directed. You should use it daily, but I would try to wash your hair to remove the residues at least 3 times a week.

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October 20, 2006

Any Update on Lasers for Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I’ve read all of your posts on LLLT and the article on the NHI website. I noticed that the NHI article was written in AUG of ‘05. Is there any update on that situation? I was thinking of buying a laser comb and was wondering if you had any suggestions?

Thanks

My experience is increasing with the large units. Many patients using it regularly have reported improvements to me. It is totally subjective, though. As I do not charge for these treatments (only for existing patients who have had surgery at one time or another with us), there is more objectivity in this type of report than in patients who have other agendas. With these patients traveling up to 3 times per week, braving the Los Angeles traffic, it tells a great deal about the value these people seem to infer. The final story is still officially out.

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October 20, 2006

7 Year Old Daughter Has Telogen Effluvium – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

My daughter’s hair has been falling out since mid July. She is 7 years old, and other than her hair falling out seems perfectly healthy. Her pediatrician referred me to a dermatologist who said it was telogen effluvium. I cannot think of any event that could have triggered this. She had the flu in mid April and the hair started falling out in mid July. Could this be a cause? Does hair typically grow back? Do I have any options for her other than just waiting it out?

Sincerely,
A very worried Mom.

There is much written on the subject. You need to understand that there is much we do not know. The acute phase of the disease entity may disappear in about 3-6 months from the time of onset. If there is a chronic form present, it may last a great deal longer. Read the material below. Good luck!

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October 19, 2006

Diane-35 and Hair Loss in Women – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi,I hope this get to you because I’m at a desperation state for help!! I’m 22, female and have been taking diane-35 for 5 years, as well I have done alot of bleaching to my hair in the past,and just this past year I have been losing massive amount of hair, I’m constantly shedding throughout the day,especially after showers. I know this is not genetic because no one in my family is bald. Do you think this pattern of shedding is due to the pill? and what do you recommend I do?
Thank you for your time

Block Quote

Hair loss can be genetic without anyone in your family being bald. This is because hair loss gene does not follow a predictable Mendelian genetic inheritance pattern.

Hair loss in women is more complicated than hair loss in men, because it does not manifest itself in a specific pattern. While birth control pills and extensive hair coloring/bleaching may have a contributory factor in your hair loss, there may be other medical issues that should be expored before blaming a pill or a hair treatment. You should see your family doctor for a good physical exam and rule out any medical causes.