Month: July 2013

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationHair Loss from Scalp Cyst Removal – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I recently had two scalp cysts that provided hair loss directly above the cysts. I then had those cysts removed and about 5 months later I still have not regained the hair in those spots. Will it ever grow back? Or is there anything I can do to help it along?

Block Quote

If the hair does not come back after a full year, then you may want to see someone like us. Scalp MicroPigmentation (SMP) or hair transplants can work to address this problem, but just be patient for now to see if the hair grows back on its own.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationMy Hair Appears Thinner After Using Dry Shampoo – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr. Rassman,

I have been using Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark Brown for a few months. I noticed that shedding has increased since then. I’m not sure if I am just experiencing a heavy shed due to MBP (i have been slowly thinning for 10 years) or if this stuff is actually aggravating my hair loss. It’s too bad if the dry shampoo is causing it, because it makes a great concealer and adds body to my thin hair. At any rate, it is noticeably thinner in just a matter of a month or two.

I love the blog!

Thank you

Block Quote

I generally like to separate the issues before me and organize them.

If you are shedding, it almost certainly has to do with genetic hair loss (which you say you have). The shampoo you use will have no impact on the shedding, as the cause of genetic hair loss impacts the hair below the skin. As you use different shampoos and conditioners, the hairs that are damaged might be impacted with an apparent shed, but that can only be seen on a daily basis. Over a long term time period, the hair loss more reflects the genetic condition rather than the daily issues of shedding.

Take whatever feedback you sense, apply common sense, and react accordingly.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationI Stopped Propecia After a Month When I Developed Crazy Acne! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi doc. I jut want to ask you a question. I have been taking Propecia for almost 4 weeks now. During the 4 weeks I noticed an increase in my acne (face, scalp, and back), and my scalp acne flared up like crazy, to the point it hurt to put my head on the pillow. I never had pimple on my chest and I broke out there as well. I haven’t changed anything in my diet, or routine, so I can almost be certain that Propecia is the culprit. I guess it works differently in everyone.

I have decided to stop taking it. Will 4 weeks of usage have any negative impact on my hair? Before taking Propecia my hair was thinning but not noticeable to others. Can 4 weeks of Propecia usage then stopping it kick start hair loss like crazy? During the 4 weeks of usage my hair loss was at the same rate as before even taking the drug.

Block Quote

Stopping Propecia after only 4 weeks will have no impact on your hair loss. Over the many years of doing this site, I’ve only had a few reports emailed to us about an increase of acne from Propecia, but I haven’t seen that in my own patients.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationIn the News – How to Wash Your Hair in Space! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Snippet from the article:

Dr. Karen Nyberg is a flight engineer on the International Space Station—and she happens to have long hair. So how does she wash her hair in space? It turns out to be an easy process, though a visually striking one. Due to the lack of gravity, her hair sticks straight up, so she ends up washing up rather than our Earthbound, gravity-centric “water flows down” thinking.

Block Quote

See the video at Mental Floss — Washing Your Hair in Space

I have often wondered about the other essential body functions in space, but did not feel it was a necessary project for my busy mind prior to seeing the video. Click on the above link to check out the video!

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationI Want to Grow Chest Hair! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

i am 26 year old male and i dont have chest hair or a full beard. i want to grow hair on my chest. what should i do? do i have testosterone problem? i think i have because i am gay

Block Quote

Chest hairMany men do not have the genes for chest hair or if they do, these genes do not express themselves until these men turn 30-40 years old. Minoxidil (Rogaine) applied twice a day may bring on chest hair, but be careful that if you go this route that you do not get dizzy from low blood pressure, a side effect of high doses of Rogaine.

We have transplanted chest hair on some men who did not have the patience to wait until they age to see if their chest hair grew, but this not a very common procedure that we do.

Your sexual orientation is unrelated to your testosterone or ability to grow chest hair.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationHow Does One Even Measure Libido or Propecia’s Effect On It? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr Rassman,

I would like to ask a question that has been on my mind for years, but haven’t seen an answer to this question. I’m 30 year old male.

How would I ever know if propecia is having an effect on my libido, sex drive etc? After all, these effects are not practically measurable. For instance, my libido is constantly changing from month to month, and even a day to day basis. How would I ever know it’s having an effect? I don’t currently take propecia, but am considering it. This has been my biggest factor in deciding to take the drug. Appreciate any recommendations that you can make to help measure these effects.

Thanks for a great blog.

Block Quote

One does not measure libido, as this is a subjective call for everyone. You are right — our libidos do vary with mood, age, time of the day, stress in our lives, relationships, etc…

The decision about taking a drug like Propecia should relate to a Master Plan for your hair loss problem.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationMy Mother Lost Her Hair At 30, My Sister Is Turning 30 and She’s Losing Hair Too! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

(female)

At around age 30 my mother began getting sores and rashes on her scalp. Shortly after that her hair began to thin at the crown of her head. My mother was treated for the sores but the doctors couldn’t help her with the balding. She went to a lot of specialists and dermatologists who all ran tests and prescribed different medications topical and etc….all which did not work. On top of that they didn’t give any medical reason as to why she was losing her hair.

My mother is now 50 and completely bald at the front and crown of her head. It seems like it will never grow back. My sister is now around 30 and experiencing the same sores on the scalp and thinning hair!!! I guess my question is, is this hereditary and if so is there any way I can find out what my chances are of this happening to me?

Block Quote

It sounds hereditary to me (with what little information you provide), however, I would need to see your mom to make my own diagnosis. I have no way to know if it’ll happen to you, as I don’t even know what it is.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationMinoxidil Only Remains Effective for a Few Months, Then I Need to Shave My Head – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I am 29 years old, and I started noticing hair loss when I was 20. I have been using Regaine 5% since almost 4 years and Propecia since almost 3 years.

I have seen very good results with Regaine 5%, but these results are mixed. When my hair is extremely short (trimmed by the machine to level 1 or 2), Regaine is very effective. When I let it grow, it remains effective until a period of 4-5 months, where I start experiencing hair loss again. Then I shave my head, and it starts working again, and the cycle continues. This is not due to the fact that I cannot see hair loss when the hair is short; I am testing my hair loss even at very short length.

Block Quote

RazorWhen minoxidil (Rogaine/Regaine) works, it usually works as long as you use it. When you stop using it, you lose the benefits quickly.

Shaving your head has nothing to do with the hair loss or hair growth, and what you are reporting is likely more illusion than reality. Shaving your head was commonly thought to increase hair growth, but contrary to this myth that has been around for centuries, it does not impact new hair growth at all. I can’t comment on what you’re seeing, because it doesn’t make sense to me.

Posted on

Hair Loss InformationAm I Using This Topical Steroid Cream Too Much to Treat Dermatitis in My Eyebrows? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

(female)

Hello Dr. Rassman,
I have a question for you regarding topical steroid creams. I have been diagnosed with mild seb derm. It is only in my eyebrows and no where else. My derm prescribed me Cutivate (fluticasone propinate) and told me to apply it 2 to 3 times a day everyday. She said she wanted to see me back in two weeks for an update. Now I am an avid reader of your blog and have heard you say before you recommend to your own patients they use steroid creams sparingly and at least 12 hours apart.

My question is do you think I am using it too often? I know we are taught to trust our docs judgement but I am worried about side effects particularly since Cutivate is a more potent steroid and it is being used on my face. Previous to this another derm had me on Desonide twice daily for 6 weeks! It led to severe redness and increased inflammation so stopped about 3 weeks in. I was told I might have just had a bad reaction to it.

I feel like derms these days just prescribe steroid creams without a care as to the adverse effects. I would love to hear your thoughts please. I trust your judgement as a doctor much more than both the derms I have seen. Thank you.

Oh and as a side note so far both creams have not helped my condition at all.

Block Quote

Like you, I am always concerned about overdosing steroids. Patients need to follow up closely with their doctors for any adverse effects. A treatment that may work in others may not work for you.

Doctors are there to help their patients, but the healing process is dynamic and things may change. We all have the best of intentions (both patient and the doctor). If things change for the worse before you are able to see your doctor, you need to inform the doctor right away!