November 2006 – Page 6

November 20, 2006

Supplement Ingredients and Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi Doc, I have purchased 3 supplements for working out…ce2 ethel ester (creatine), papaya enzyme, nitro tech whey protein made by muscle tech. Are you aware of any of the ingredients in these that cause hair loss?

No, I am not aware of any specific ingredients in any supplements (when taken as directed) that could cause hair loss. Some of the supplements that may have steroid type effects cause hair loss. Keep in mind any medications, supplements, and food when taken in excess can be harmful to your body.

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November 20, 2006

More Aggressive Prostate Cancer While on Finasteride? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I’ve seen some studies that suggest those who *do* develop prostate cancer while on finasteride may have a greater change of seeing a more aggressive variety. There seems to be conflicting views on whether or not this is true. The general consensus I’ve gathered is that the preventative nature most men see far outweighs the risk, but its something to keep in mind nonetheless.

There seems now to be an agreement amongst the medical community that the appearance of a more aggressive cancer in those patients on finasteride may be a distortion of the way the data is collected. In addition, people on finasteride shrink their prostate when compared to people not on finasteride. If one assumes that both the control group and the treated group start out with the exact same number of cancers (or pre-cancers), then the smaller prostate (when biopsied) will show a higher rate of cancer detection than the larger, more swollen prostate. Each man in the original study was over 55 years old, and as cancer is more prevalent in men over 55. That is why the age group was selected for this study. The men who had an apparently more aggressive cancer had what appears on biopsy to be worse cancers, had the same long term result as than the control group of men. In conclusion, finasteride probably has no more negative effect on producing an aggressive cancer of the prostate than those people who were not on the drug, but the incidence of cancer was 25% less in the treated group than the control group.

For more information, please see Archives of Dermatology – Finasteride (Propecia) and the Promotion of High-grade Prostate Cancer.

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November 20, 2006

Can the Triple-Flap Procedure Give Me a Full Head of Hair? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi Dr. Rassman,

Can someone who is completely bald (everywhere, except the very back and sides) have a full head of hair like that of a teenager by the triple-flap procedure?

Is there any procedure or combined procedures to give a completely bald person that final result?

Best regards

There was an article in the news last week about this very procedure, which I am assuming is what prompted your inquiry.

TheBostonChannel.com – Doctor Offers New Solution For Hair Loss

The triple-flap is a corrective procedure, generally used to repair patients where slot deformities were created by scalp reduction scars (surgeries that tried to remove the bald spot). This article seems to be misleading, because it does seem to make clear enough that the triple-flap procedure should only be used to repair deformities of the scalp. If there are defects in the scalp that are not the results of multiple scalp reduction surgeries (like a burn), then many of these people need balloon expanders to shift large areas of the scalp. In any event, this is a very specialized field and something that I can not comment without examining you. Please send me photos (you may cover your face) and I will evaluate what you are talking about.

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November 17, 2006

Hair Loss InformationHairless Spots on My Leg – Alopecia Areata? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr Rassman, I have 2 round, completely hairless bald spots on my leg, very slightly pitted & ridged fingernails, and some hair loss on the sides of my head. I have read a lot about alopecia areata and was relieved to find out that al. areata hair loss is usually in clumps, but then I came across a website that said that there is a type of alopecia areata that is a general thinning of the hair (not talking about dupa), I have also read on this site that there can be several reasons for round hairless patches other than alopecia areata, and lastly I have read that there can be many reasons for pitted fingernails, my question to you is can you tell me the list of tests I should have done to evaluate what I am experiencing? I plan to see a Dr. regarding this as well, but I also wanted to ask your thoughts. Thank you.

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You have 2 round and hairless spots on your leg along with pitted and ridged fingernails. Although alopecia areata is frequently seen in clusters, it is not unusual to see just one area involved. Accompanying signs like pitting and ridging fingernails are found in alopecia areata (AA), but it can also be found in fungal infections as well. It is a good idea to see a dermatologist and if presenting typical signs, you may not need any other tests. If AA has an unusual presentation, your doctor may choose to take a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

November 17, 2006

If I Stop Minoxidil, Will It Harm the Existing Good Hair Too? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi,
I’m a 23 year old who has, as of the past 2 years, been using Propecia with what I believe to be good results. Still, in the cranial areas superior to the temples, theres still some thinning taking place (the apex of the forehead is fine, no thinning). Three days ago, I decided to try Minoxidil in just those areas. When I apply it though, it clearly seeps onto my other good, thick hair nearby. Though I already know that once you stop Minoxidil the hair you’ve regrown there falls out, but my question is will one day deciding to stop the minoxidil also make the hair that the drug may have touched during application fall out as well (the hair that would normally had stayed had I not used minoxidil at all)? Thanks for reading.

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If minoxidil is applied to normal hair there will be no response to it (provided that there are no side effects of the drug, like an allergic reaction). Stopping minoxidil will not impact normal hair that was exposed to the drug.

November 17, 2006

Reader Response to Using Rogaine Foam – Balding Blog

A reader wrote in with a quick review of his experience using the Rogaine Foam, and I thought it was worthwhile to post for those that are still looking into trying this newly released product…

It’s easily available now without a prescription and the foam does have some advantages. It doesn’t run, so it’s easier to apply. And it contains no propylene glycol as does the Rogaine XS solution. However, I have some reservations about its use. The beneficial actions of topical minoxidil are dose related and the Rogaine foam is only a 5% compound. The foam by its sheer volume deposits a large amount of each application on the hair shafts, where it cannot be absorbed and remains ineffectual.

Out of curiosity, I recently bought a bottle of Rogaine foam ($29.99). It seems to be more inconvenient to use than the Rogaine XS solution. Unless your hands are cold, the foam will immediately liquefy. You should also be aware of the fact that the foam contains both butane, isobutane and propane, so it is highly flammable. But, if the Rogaine Foam fits your needs, this might be a good alternative product for topical minoxidil use.

These are the inactive ingredients listed for the Rogaine Foam: butane, butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, fragrance, glycerin, isobutane, lactic acid, polysorbate 60, propane, purified water, SD alcohol 40B, stearyl alcohol. See product warnings.

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November 17, 2006

Low Testosterone and Low Luteinizing Hormone Levels – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Can low testosterone and low Leutinizing Hormone levels contribute to hair loss? I am a 30yr old male, I have low testosterone and low LH levels and I am suffering from total head/hair miniaturization! I have no balding or recession, just total miniaturization all over my head (also my side burns are thinning and my facial hair-beard/chin hair is changing texture (thinning) and color! is there any correlation? thank you

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a by-product of testosterone, is one of the many causes of androgenic hair loss when the genetics are there. I am curious to know where and how you were diagnosed with miniaturization of your hair. If indeed you have total miniaturization of hair, then you may have a condition known as Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA), a condition we’ve written about in published medical journals. More importantly, you need to follow up with your doctor to make sure you do not have any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your generalized hair loss.

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November 17, 2006

Doctors Discouraged 19 Year Old From Using Propecia – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Im a 19 year old male,and for the past year and especially the past 3 months my hair has thinned and receded almost an inch. Ive always been told i just have a large forhead so i shrugged it off, now im scared because i am afraid to go out without my hat on and i dont like this. Ive started rogaine but i feel like its gonna be pointless cause of how much ive already lost, im not ready to suck it up and shave my head yet. Both my docter and dermotoligist told me its just bad genes and i got male pattern baldness and discouraged propecia and vitamins. Ive died it 5 times in the last year, and i plan on dieing it again, because the darker color makes it seem as though i hav e more hair, both docters told me this doesnt affect it. Ive always had long hair and im not ready to lose it, am i to young for a hair transplant.

If you have genetic hair loss, you should be on Propecia, so I disagree with your doctors. Without a doctor / patient relationship, I can not make a diagnosis, but 19 is not too young for Propecia treatment in genetic male patterned balding. You need to have your hair mapped out for miniaturization to determine the diagnosis. You are clearly too young to think about hair transplants, particular without getting some doctor first to take care of your hair loss with appropriate medications.

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November 17, 2006

90 Year Old Woman Has Severely Itchy Scalp, Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

My mother-in-law is 90. She has been having a severe itch problem, dry scalp, and loss of hair. She has been to Her family Dr. and to a Dermatologist and they just say it is dry shin. She has a Rx cream to apply. I’m mainly concerned about her scalp. It is so very dry. I have given her a treatment for conditioning the hair. Also had her use Selsun Blue shampoo several times. It doesn’t seem to be getting better and the hair loss seems to be getting worse. She scratches her head so much that she gets sores. Is this just part of getting older or some other problem? Dr. here haven’t helped much. Do you have an answer? We would appreciate any help you can give.

Thank you so very much!

In dermatology, there is a humorous anecdote when referring to skin problems. It goes something like this — “If it is dry, wet it; if it is wet, dry it.” I would focus on shampoos and conditioners that are made for dry skin. Sometimes, I recommend a good quality hand lotion be gently rubbed into the scalp. Then with a shampoo an hour later, wash off the scalp with a shampoo for dry skin, following by a conditioner for dry skin. See if this works.

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November 16, 2006

Propecia and Acne? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

hi doc, i just had a quick question for you. im 23 and i started losing or at least noticing my hair loss this year, so i have been taking propecia for 2 months now, my question is does propecia cause acne, because for some reason my acne has got really bad, but my sex drive seems to be normal, should i continue to take propecia and hope that my acne is from other causes? because i dont want to go to my doctor and waste time if you can help me? please respond back, thank you.

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I do not believe acne is a common side effect of Propecia (finasteride 1mg). Your question is very peculiar though. You are obviously concerned about your thinning hair and have hair loss to a degree that has made you desire to invest time and money in taking Propecia. Acne and early hair loss have a common thread — they happen to occur at about the same age. I believe that if there is a connection, it is with the age of the patient. According to a published study titled 5 alpha-reductase and finasteride in pattern alopecia and acne, “There remains debate whether 5 alpha-reductase will additionally also prove beneficial for acne”

This research is still ongoing, but if Propecia is a source of your acne, are you willing to stop taking it to halt your acne? In other words, are you willing to lose hair for clear skin? That’s entirely up to you.