Dr. William Rassman – Page 1623

May 18, 2007

Lewenberg’s Formula — Retin-A with Minoxidil – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I know you probably will not reply, but thought I’d give it a try. Do the topical minoxidil plus tretenoin sprays actually get through the hair onto the scalp? I’m very interested in Lewenberg’s formula, but do not see how a hair spray can get to the scalp. I would really appreciate your opinion – someone with expertise. Thank you

The use of Retin-A with minoxidil is commonly used. Retin-A produces irritation of the skin, a sort of light burn which increases the circulation as the body tries to repair the burn. As a result, the blood supply to the scalp increases and any medications such as minoxidil (which is in Lewenberg’s formula) gets better absorbed. I do not like the burn effect and would rather use a higher concentration of minoxidil and even Rogaine Foam 5%, which also has better absorption. The use of a spray is impacted by any hair that gets in the way, so you have to apply the spray carefully, parting the hair so the spray gets to the scalp.

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May 18, 2007

Numbness in Non-Transplanted Area 4 Months Post-Op – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hello,

Im 24 years old and have been taking Propecia 6 months prior to my surgery and have been doing so ever since. In which now I am 4 months post op. I had 1500 grafts done, 500 in each temple and 500 in the crown.

I still have some mild numbness since the surgery directly on the top of my head in the non recipient sites. This area was very dense and now is very thin and I believe it is due to the numbness. Can you tell me generally when the numbness starts to subside. As well will that density come back or is it safe to say my hair will continue to be this thin?

Thank you.

It sounds like you have two different things happening. At 24 years old, if you thinned after surgery, you probably experienced ’shock loss’. Do you know if the hair you lost was miniaturized? Miniaturized hairs are the ones at risk for shock loss. Propecia has wiped out most of the hair loss caused by the surgery that we experienced prior to Propecia’s availability on the market, but there is (of course) no guarantee that it will wipe out all of the risks of shock loss.

As for the numbing you’re feeling — all numbness should be gone by now. You need to go back to your doctor and ask these questions or get a second opinion if your doctor does not give you satisfactory answers.

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May 18, 2007

Seborrheic Dermatitis-Induced Telogen Effluvium? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hello Dr,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to so many of these questions. It provides untold comfort for those of us who are plagued with hair loss problems.

I am quite certain I have seborrheic dermatitis-induced telogen effluvium. I have all the characteristics, long dark hairs with tiny white bulbs at the end (TE), and my scalp is red and itchy with noticeable scaling (SD). I have been inflicted with this condition for 7 months now, when can I expect for it to stop falling out? Will I see my hair return to the way it once was?

Thanks in advance.

If you have telogen effluvium, it has nothing to do with seborrheic dermatitis. You should see a good dermatologist to make the diagnosis of TE.

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May 17, 2007

Hair Loss InformationGene Identified to Solve Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

From the BBC — Gene find triggers baldness hope

Hair loss in humans might not be irreversible, suggest scientists who have helped create new hair cells on the skin of mice.

Block Quote

We have all hoped that we could make new hair from stem cells or gene manipulation. It looks like we have moved one step closer to that goal.

Any Studies Showing Propecia and Minoxidil Cause More Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Have there been any test results that showed products such as Propecia or Rogaine can actually cause MORE hair loss? Both products after several months caused me to lose more hair more rapidly and I’ve read other people’s accounts of this happening, on this blog, as well as other sites. It seems that the FDA should study this if they’re going to license products. Thank you for your time!

There are no long term hair loss events reported from either drug, except for the people who have local allergic reactions to minoxidil. The short term loss of hair is thought to be the results of accelerated hair cycling and it reverses.

May 17, 2007

Can Rogaine Damage Hair If It’s In Too Long? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Can rogaine hurt, damage and or cause hair to fall out if it remains in the hair for a long period of time? I don’t wash my hair everyday because my scalp becomes so dry from rogaine. Rogaine always gets stuck in my hair when I apply it to my scalp. Can the rogaine that remains in the scalp harm my remaining hair? Thank you! sorry if this question seems stupid!

Providing that the Rogaine does not ‘cake’ and cause hair to stick together, there should be no impact on leaving it on the hair shafts. Always be gentle when brushing the hair.

May 17, 2007

DHT and Impotence – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi Dr Rassman,

Once Propecia is stopped, will DHT levels return to thier high levels prior to the introduction of Finasteride to the body? Is it true that impotence is associated to low levels of DHT?

DHT levels return to their normal level upon stopping finasteride. I do not know why some people on finasteride lose their sex drive (less than 1%). DHT is a less potent male hormone than testosterone and when people are started on Propecia, there are reports that testosterone blood levels rise. Some older men reported to me that their sex drive went up on Propecia and I know that they are telling the truth because their wives (some of them) complained about it to me.

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May 17, 2007

Dr Rassman, How Do You Find the Time? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Sir, as a friend and ally of your fellow countrymen, I fully understand and respect the term “freedom of speech”. However, what I do find moronic at times, are the extreme ways in which people abuse this right, by asking the most stupid questions via professional, well informed internet sites and blogs etc.

For instance,and I quote “whilst sleeping, my leg hair fell out, please help me Dr Rassman as I’m desperately seeking answers – what would you recommend I do in the mean time?”

How the hell do you find time to answer up to a stupid question like that?

How about wax them and then you won’t have to worry!!

I understand the desperate plight of hair loss sufferers in search of need of reassurance and hope, but for God’s sake, some people just take the biscuit!!

Thanks anyway for your site – I do enjoy reading it.

Time Sometimes the other writers for this site (Dr. Pak or Dr. Mohebi) will make a somewhat sharp reply with a humorous intent. Since I edit all of the responses before they are published, some of their barbs are quite pointed and we all get a good laugh out of these creative comments. My job, when the other editors write the answers, is to keep a general respectful spirit on the site. At times the questions can be…. not very intelligent… and at times some of the writers of these questions must be challenging my patience. As an expert in this industry though, I find that many people are hair obsessed and do not apply rational thinking about the subjects that they toss at me. With my obvious answers to obvious questions, these people may learn to think this through rather than believe all of the hype that is generated by vendors who just produce lots of marketing material that confuses issues and make any clarity more and more difficult to consumers (by design).

I recall a very bright professor of engineering who was convinced that all of the hair that grew out after a hair transplant 4 1/2 months earlier just appeared one night while he was sleeping. On first blush, one would not expect an intelligent person to think that he grew an inch long hair overnight, but that was what he was convinced had happened. I believe that when we are emotionally caught up in something like our health, we lose perspective and rational thinking at times. I just call it like I see it, as directly and as gently as I can. I try to think the best of the person asking the questions, but you are right, it does frustrate me a bit.

As for how I find the time — well, I make time. I generally spend a few hours each day (including many weekends) answering emails and writing responses for posts that make it to the blog. Somewhere in there, I find the time to run a business, invent new technologies, perform surgeries, eat food, and even sleep. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it. Judging from the amount of email I get, this site helps many, many thousands of people from all over the world, so that makes it worthwhile for me. I can’t be the doctor for everyone, but I can provide general insight and opinions that hopefully will help many people. As always though, this is just a blog and not intended to be a replacement for your doctor.

May 17, 2007

Jintropin’s Impact on Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

If I take Jintropin, will it impact my hair loss?

Sylvester Stallone Jintropin is manufactured and distributed by GeneScience Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. It is a potent brand of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and will accelerate any hair loss in men who are genetically prone for hair loss. It is worse than steroids for hair loss. There are many dangers in taking HGH, particularly without a doctor supervising the process. This has become a big business for baby boomers who feel extra vigor when they take this medication. Many good, responsible doctors feel that HGH raises the risks of stroke and heart attacks and the aging process may also be accelerated on it, even if the person taking it feels better.

In related HGH news, actor Sylvester Stallone just plead guilty to bringing Jintropin into Australia without a permit. From the Associated Press — “Stallone was accused of bringing banned substances into Australia after a customs search of his luggage during a Feb. 16 visit to Sydney revealed 48 vials of the human growth hormone product, Jintropin.” Ouch.

May 17, 2007

What Percentage of Men Shed Hair When Starting Propecia? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 38 year old male from the UK and i’ve noticed hair on my pillow in the morning. furthermore when my hair is wet or gel’d thinning can be noticed. However during what would be a normal day to day e.g. not wet or gel’d, all appears normal. My concern is if i start propecia will this make matter worse? Hence it is important for me to ascertain what percentage men suffer hair shedding while beginning the course of propecia? if shedding does occur does this mean the shedded hair will be replace during the next regrowth cycle? if so under normal conditions how long would the hair loss be noticeable before recovery? sorry for so many questions! regards

I have had a few patients claim that they go through a shedding phase after starting Propecia (finasteride). This lasts only a month or two and is followed by the expected decrease in hair loss. I believe that this is a small number, but I can not put a figure to it for you as there have been no studies that I’m aware of that reference a percentage to answer your question. There are theories that suggest acceleration of cycling as a cause of temporary shedding, but I do not know much about this other than what other doctors assume could be the cause.

Patients start taking Propecia because they do not want to lose hair. Most people notice an immediate slowing of the hair loss on Propecia.