Author: Dr. William Rassman

Hi,
I am 15 and I have traction alopecia. I got it because I am of Sikh decent and I recently cut off my tightly tyed hair. I have bald spots in the back of my head, on my forhead, and the front of my sides by my forehead. I am desperate for help as Im just 15 and I want to do things with my hair. Right now I just have long hair to cover things up. Please tell me any medicines like rogaine or something that will help. Thanks

Traction alopecia in many young Sikhs may be permanent, even at your age. If you have not worn the turban for more than a year and no hair has grown back, chances are that only a hair transplant will solve the problem. Many Sikhs have this problem. You may consider seeing a hair restoration doctor (with your mother/father) to consider surgical options.

Hello, i know that finasteride avoids the productions of dht by methods i cant explain with my bad english. The fact is that the DHT is needed for the erectile functions of the penis. How can i think that sex/masturbation dont make the body to produce more DHT to have reserves?

If that logic holds true, then all the bald men of the world must be sex addicts or rampant masturbators. Please excuse my humor, but your assumptions are erroneous. Increased DHT does not lead to erectile dysfunction. And increased sex or masturbation does not cause hair loss. Have fun!

I am 30 years old and since I was around 20 I’ve been able to grow a very thick, full beard. Within the past month or so I’ve begun to notice areas on my neck that are balding. Now more bald spots are appearing more regularly and are occurring very quickly (within 3 to 5 days). I have a clean bill of health as far as I know. Would there be any medical reason for the random hair loss? I am considering going to a dermatologist, but any other opinions would be appreciated. Thank you.

You can start with the dermatologist, as you suggested. The differential diagnosis is quite varied and it is possible that with the proper experience, a good dermatologist may make the diagnosis. Random patches of hair loss or hair loss in non-patterned areas may be a sign of other medical problems and/or conditions such as alopecia areata, ring worm, etc.

The progressive loss of neck hair may be a genetic process that starts in the middle of the neck (just below the notch at the base of the skull) and then moves outward. There will be miniaturization of the hairs in some pattern extending outward from the center. Eventually, the miniaturized hairs will fall out. This is a slower process than you are talking about, so it may not apply.

Dr:

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with thyroid disease. At that time, my hair came out terribly. I have remained on a maintenance dosage of Armour because my THS levels are always within lower limits of the normal range of functioning. Most of my hair, over the years has grown back, but it does not have the same thickness. Also, the top is thinner than the rest.

Additionally, my pubic hair thinned out years ago. However, it never grew back, and it began to gray. Is there something that can be done to thicken my pubic hair, stop the graying, and thicken the hair in the top of my head?

Thanks

The use of hair dyes is the only treatment for graying. What you are reporting with the hair in other parts of your body is a consequence of thyroid disease over the long term in some patients.