Why Does the LaserComb Need FDA Clearance? Why Not FTC? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

It seems that the FDA should not be in the business of “clearing” anything that is not scientifically substantiated. There is an awful lot of stuff out there that won’t kill. I’m sure it’s obvious that “clearing” such substances gives charlatans a “green light” to deceive and rip people off.

(One would think that the FTC would ask the FDA to knock it off, as this creates a great deal work for them (the FTC), i.e. investigations, lawsuits etc. It raises the question of what the FDA gains from providing such “clearance” status? If it’s money, I guess that this, then, overrides principle, to say nothing of wasted tax payer dollars used to prosecute the “cleared” crooks.).

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Hair laserI believe the hair lasers received the FDA clearance by a loophole, with the technology being grandfathered in as a device marketed before 1976, when the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 gave the FDA the authority over devices like this. Remember, these hair lasers do not have FDA approval, but simply FDA clearance.

The sellers of these lasers make medical claims of benefits and this alone falls in the scope of FDA activities. The FDA is responsible for claims of safety and effectiveness. Think about it. If someone recommended the LaserComb to prevent stroke or Alzheimer’s, they would have to be able to prove it.

In the News – New Drug to Reduce Hair Loss from Lupus – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Snippet from the article:

The first in a new class of experimental drugs that targets the disease process involved in lupus beat out standard treatment in a large clinical trial, researchers say.

If the findings hold up, the drug, Benlysta, could become the first new drug for lupus in five decades.

About 1.5 million Americans have lupus, a complex disease in which the immune system attacks a person’s own tissues, wreaking havoc on the joints, skin and other organs. Benlysta dampens the abnormal immune signals, calming down the immune system.

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Read the rest at WebMD.

This is significant, as lupus affects millions around the world. Hair loss is common with those that have this autoimmune illness, and according to the article this drug is “more effective at reducing pain, hair loss, and skin rash than placebo.” More studies need to be done, and if successful, the pharmaceutical company plans to submit to the FDA for approval.

If Not a Cure, Do You Think a New Drug Will Permanently Stop Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

dr rassman
i always see people on this site asking for your estimate on the cure of balding and you do not believe it will arrive in the next 10-20 years. what about a drug or some other method of permanently halting the hair loss, not necessarily regrowing, but just preventing the progression of the condition where then a hair transplant would compensate for the remainder of the lost hair? are you optimistic about something along these lines?…. looking forward to your response, as they are always very intriguing and informative

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I think of myself as being an optimist, but with respect to hair, there is nothing as far as a cure that I see on the horizon. We (the medical/scientific community) haven’t even found a cure for the common cold, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, etc. It’s not to say balding is low on the priority either. On the contrary, there is a huge market if someone can find a cure. Hair loss is genetic, and research into genetic cures is in its infancy.

Hair Loss and DHT in Animals? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Pigsir,
i’ve heard DHT is the thing that causes alopecia. is that the case even in animals also having DHT, since they also have alopecia problems. if not, we can go for the fue transplant from animals like pigs.

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Transplants from animals to humans just does not work. Besides, you’re not going to want pig hair growing from your head. I am not an expert on animals with fur loss so I can not comment on the DHT impact on mammals with alopecia.

Hair Loss InformationMy Family Has a Norwood 7 History, So I Want to Do Everything I Can to Prevent That for Me! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I have been taking generic Finasteride for nearly a year and a half with what I consider to be great results. My hair has always been thin, even from the age of 14 (as a barber once told me), and all the men on my mother’s side of the family are at Norwood 7 (Grandfather, two Uncles; father’s side isn’t as dramatic, there is thinning, but no classic MPB). The medication has brought back a considerable amount of volume back to my scalp, and I have been able to grow my hair out with excellent results. So for I have stabilized at Norwood 2; where I plan to keep it.

I am considering switching to generic Dutasteride, which as you know inhibits two types of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (as opposed to just just one type with Finasteride). My question is simply this, what are your thoughts on Dutasteride vs. Finasteride? Is there anything I should be aware of or put into consideration if I make this decision?

I found your blog on google and have been reading ever since. What you and the other Doctors do here and in the patient-care-room is incredible and I hope you have further success with your practice. Thank you for your time.

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Norwood 7I have said this many times — if you are destined to be bald, there is no stopping it. Just slowing it down is the best you can hope for. There is no cure for hair loss! Propecia helps, but you need to be followed by a doctor to see what you are actually treating. Just because your family members are Norwood class 7 does not mean you are guaranteed to develop that same class 7 balding pattern.

Dutasteride will not cure or stop hair loss and it is not necessarily better than Propecia. It’s still yet to be FDA approved to treat hair loss, and I’m waiting for safety and dosing information. Do not take drastic actions due to fear. If the current approved treatments you’re using are working, why risk it? Become well informed and educated, but keep in mind that there is no substitute for seeing a physician for a medical issue.

Medications Have Worked Great, But My Hair Stopped Growing – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi, i started going bald at 19, i’m now 23. I decided to start acting on this 7 months ago and have been on propecia and minoxidil ever since. I am seeing great results, but one thing that has been bugging me ever since i started going bald; My hair on the top of my head doesnt atually grow.

I have stopped smoking, exercise daily, and do not straighten my hair anymore. My scalp is in great condition (i use nizoral twice weekly) and it hasnt grown in over 3 years, yet my sides and back grow so fast. if finasteride is preventing DHT in my scalp, surely the hairs on top of my head should not stop growing?? any ideas?

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I am doubting your comment about no growth of your hair on top for 3 years. If the entire top of your head is miniaturized, this could explain the problem, but without seeing you, I can not tell you what you have. You indicated you’re in the UK — and a contributing author to this blog, Dr. Bessam Farjo, is in the UK. You might want to visit him for an examination.

Propecia and minoxidil are great medications, but if you are going bald there is no stopping it 100%! The reason you are taking Propecia and minoxidil is so that it will help slow the balding process down, but the balding will continue probably at a slower rate in the end. Some patients respond well to Propecia and minoxidil , but it does not mean it “cured” their hair loss issue.

The Manufacturer Doesn’t Recommend Rogaine Foam for the Frontal Hairline! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi,

I’m 31 years old and I’ve been using propecia since early 2007 and I’m still seeing mild to moderate frontal recession of my hairline. I just started using Rogaine foam 5% in the frontal and temporal areas of my hairline this weekend. The manufacturer does not recommend using rogaine in this area, only the vertex. My question for is could using Rogaine in the frontal and temporal region make things worse? In otherwords, do I have anything to lose by doing this? Also, are you aware of any studies on Rogaine being used for the frontal hairline and the temples? Thank you!

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Other than the cost of the medication, using Rogaine on the front of your scalp will not harm you, provided that you use it in the proper manner. Keep in mind that using more minoxidil than indicated might lead to an increased risk of side effects (though in your case, it sounds like you just want to use it at the hairline and not all over the scalp). I’m not aware of minoxidil studies specifically in the frontal area.

The manufacturer has not proven value for frontal use, but that does not mean that it will 100% not work in the front of your scalp. It does tend to work the best in the crown, but if you apply Rogaine to the back of your hands, you’ll likely see increased growth there too.

I’m Losing 500 Hairs a Day! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

hello doctor.
i had been using minoxidil 5% and got very good results. 18 months back i stopped using it due to scaling. by the time i got control over the scaling, i had lost much of the hair on the crown. my doctor told me to use minox 5% not only on the hair lost crown but also on the entire top of the head including frontal area where i was not having any hair loss. i used it as per he told and the result was, i lost hair from all over the top including frontal area due to itching. i couldnt see any good results after using minoxidil 10% for 1 year but lost my frontal hairs too. 2 months back i stopped using minoxidil 10%.

i am not having any itching sensation now..what should i do now? my frontal hair is receding 1 inch every two weeks, the crown area is more and more visible now. do i have to undergo any tests? i lose around 500 hairs/day. do i have to use minoxidil 5% again? if so..then do i have to apply it on the new hair loss area ie, frontal part? do i have to massage the lotion to skin? please do help me doctor..!! please…!!

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Without seeing you I can not comment on the 500 hairs per day you are losing. But at that loss rate, you will be fairly bald in 2-3 years, if it is really true. I can’t give you advice about which medications to use, but if your doctor told you to lose something that caused hair loss, go back to that doctor and talk to him/her. If not, I would see an expert physician to get a diagnosis and then a treatment that works (perhaps you can find a doctor in your area at ISHRS.org).

Will I Lose Hair with Somatropin (HGH)? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr. Rassman,

I have followed the questions and your answers in regards to Somatropin or testosterone supplementation. I am 40 and have virtually stopped all hair loss since my late 20’s due to the medicines on the market. I have a doctor in NY who treats me for a bad lower back condition, and he recommends I use an hgh cream and a testosterone cream, we did a blood test and my T was quite low. The hgh would assist me in recovery. I discussed with him my concerns and my history, and he doesn’t feel I should have a problem with my hair. However, this is not his area of expertise. My question is, can I attempt to use 1 or both of these products and monitor my hair loss, and if its starts thinning simply stop using the creams. thank you

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HGH can and often does accelerate hair loss in genetically prone individuals. There is risk here and you should take charge of your risks before you dive in. If your doctor prescribes a cream, I’m not going to tell you to cease using it, particularly if it is helping you recover. I can not advise you what to do in this situation.

I Think I’ve Regrown About 80% of My Hair! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hey doc! I’m a longtime reader and follower of your blog and I highly trust your advice and recommendations. I want to thank you in advance for taking your time to provide your insight to my question. I’d first like to provide a short description of my hairloss observations and results from treatment:

I’m nearly 23 yrs of age and have been on Proscar daily (cut into quarters) since January 2006. The efficacy of the pill peaked by the time I turned 21 and so far, all its been doing is maintaining my existing hair. I’m more of a gradual diffuse thinner than a genetic balder. Ever since last year, my head has become rather itchy and I’ve always felt a sore burning spot right in the centre of my vertex. It became quite unbearable to the point where I shaved my entire head last November just to make it stop.

By December I started using Nizoral 2% and Head & Shoulders everyday (I currently use them every other day). Although some soreness is still present, it has subsided quite a bit and the itching and flaking isn’t as bad anymore. What’s interesting is that my hair has gone from relatively sparse last year to a lot more fuller and abundant this year. I believe that, from my observations, I’ve regrown perhaps 80% of previously lost hairs due to genetic balding. I’ve also noticed that, from continued use of Nizoral, Head & Shoulders and T-Gel plus Proscar for maintenance, I’ve seen individual hairs reverse in miniaturization (hairs with thicker roots and thinner ends)

Am I seeing things or could I be responding well to inflammatory shampoos? My hair is about 6 inches long and tends to get very oily overnight.

My other question is,
In my crown area, especially near the spot where I feel a sore/burning sensation more often than naught, my scalp produces thin hairs and although cosmetically it looks as if there’s no sign of genetic baldness present in that area, I would like to tackle this problem before it does become apparent. I was wondering if you would recommend using a lotion which contains copper peptides to compliment my regimen? I would rather not use minoxidil due to cost issues as I’m still a student.

Thanks again!

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It takes at least 2 years to maximize the value of finasteride. That may explain part of your experience with hair regrowth. Also, there are some reports that ketoconazole (Nizoral) may help with treating hair loss, but the studies are limited. If you’re seeing these treatments work, that’s great!

There is been no proven benefits of copper peptides in the prevention of balding or regrowth of hair. That does not mean that it does not work, but it means to me that the value has not been proven scientifically. If you have used minoxidil and then you stop, it will cause a reversal of the benefits (if the drug produced value) and as hair that was lost is known to be minoxidil dependent, stopping the drug can cause hair loss.