Hair Loss Causes – Page 161

October 13, 2009

Besides Propecia, What Else Can I Do to Prevent Shock Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hello Dr. Rassman,

What precautionary steps can a younger man take in order to help prevent and/or lessen the effects of shockloss? I know it’s important to be have been on Propecia for several months, but what else can contribute? Will having the recipient area shaved help? I’m likely to have some hairline touch-up work. Would having a less-dense prodcedure (decent amount of native hair remains) impact less trauma on the recipient zone, thereby reducing potential shockloss, or does the point become moot regardless of the density placed? Thanks.

Shock loss can occur regardless of density, and there is really not much you can do. Taking Propecia is the best option to try to prevent shock loss, though I guess another option would be not to have surgery at all. You have to weigh the risk vs the reward. If you have more to lose than gain, then I would be very cautious.

Surgery is not always the answer… and it is not reversible, which is why I’ve often said that the good news and the bad news about hair transplants is the permanence. Be sure to pick a good doctor you trust and have seen his/her work on previous patients (in person is best) before you get a hair transplant, and do not be driven by the best price you can find.

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October 13, 2009

My Crown Hair Loss is Regrowing Without Medication – Balding Blog

I have had the strangest hair loss from about the age of 15 or 16. I am now 18 going on 19. There was hairloss on the crown which I thought was MPB but over the last 2 or 3 years I have had small but noticable regrowth at times which is uncommon with MPB as I took no minoxidil or propecia. One doctor told me I had folliculitis decalvans after some examination but I have read that this occurs after adolesence into adult hood where as my hairloss has been around since I was about 15 so I don’t know if this could be true. Also I have no pain, swelling or crusting often associated with the disease just some itching on and off or maybe a button or pustule on a rare ocassion. Please help.

If your hair is regrowing and you’re experiencing no pain and no crusting, how can I help? Let it grow! This is a good thing!

If you are not comfortable with what you were told about folliculitis decalvans, get a second opinion. It is a rare condition that is generally seen in adults, but it could occur in young men at your age.

October 13, 2009

My Temples and Sideburns Are Thinning – Balding Blog

For the last year or so i noticed the hair on my right side really thinning. I went from having decent temporal points to having very diffused temporal points (which i shave off, so they dont look wierd). I can feel the right side really thinning (side burns are stringy and the region above the ears and a bit above the side burns very thin). The sideburns on the left side have started thinning too now. On the right side the further back the hair, the better it seems. Other than that my hair is very thick and my family has no history of baldness.

Appreciate your help. Thank you

Isolated thinning as you describe is not uncommon. It sounds like you might need a hair transplant to thicken the areas that are thinning and rebuild the temple points to your satisfaction, but I can’t say for sure if you’re a candidate without an examination or photos.

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October 12, 2009

Shock Loss and FUE, Density, Diffuse Thinning – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hello Dr. Rassman,

Thanks for this Q&A forum! I have three questions as below and your response would be greatly appreciated!

1. As you can see in my picture [editor’s note: see below!], which you can use on the forum with the response btw, seems like I have diffuse thinning. Im not sure what Norwood pattern this is, but does my pattern rule me out for a FUE hair transplant? I think I read somewhere that diffuse thinning candidates are not sutable for hair transplants. The hair in the back of head is pretty thick and looking at my dad and my older brother, I see no danger of losing hair in the back. It’s mostly crown thinning and almost bald on the top. I’m 39 years old

2. You mentioned that South Asians have less density than say those of European descent. I always thought it was the reverse? based on what I see in terms of density in the back of my head, looks like I should be able to get more drafts from my donor area??

3. Is there any way to reduce/eliminate shock loss from neighboring areas after a FUE transplant? Does one have to take propecia to eliminate shock loss? I tried finestaride (.25 mg) for a month and the side effects were frightening, so I stopped.

Thanks in advance!

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Thanks for allowing me to post this photo. Click it to enlarge!

Looking at the only photo you sent, you look like you have LOTS of hair on your side and thinning hair on top. I have no idea how your hair looks like on the back (donor area) and what percentage of your hair are miniaturized in key areas. So in short, I cannot tell you if you really have diffuse thinning and I cannot give you a personalized diagnosis… but with little that I do see and what you described as mostly thinning at the top, I don’t think you have diffuse thinning. You most likely have an early Norwood Class 5 or 6 pattern. I would see a physician (hair transplant physician if possible) for a good diagnosis and a miniaturization study.
Asians have less hair density than their European counterpart, but much of the time Asian hair is thicker and coarser as compared to the European fine hair. This can make Asian hair look more full. I have no idea what your density is. Your guess is as good as mine (its only a guess) so go to a good doctor and have it measured.
Propecia (finasteride in 1mg strength) does not “eliminate” shock loss. It decreases the risk. There is no guarantee you will or will not have shock loss after a hair transplant surgery. Generally younger men in their early 20’s and men who are losing hair rapidly have more chance of shock loss.

Finally, I do not know what frightened you in to stopping finasteride. If you have side effects I would discuss them with your doctor to find out if it really is a side effect or something unrelated. Negative sexual side effects occurs in 1 to 2% of men who take the medication and they are reversible.

October 12, 2009

My 7 Year Old Has Been Shedding Hair for Weeks – Balding Blog

My daughter is 7 years old and her hair his shedding alot. No bald spots. After her shower and when I brush her long hair. Many hairs fall onto the floor or into the brush. It seems like she has new hairs growing in or can this be breakage. She otherwise is healthy and not showing no sign of illness. Is it normal for a 7 year old girl to be shedding this much. When should I see a doctor. She has been shedding for about 3 weeks.

If you are worried about something that you are observing that is not normal, then go see a doctor now! After all, you know your daughter best.

Do keep in mind you can lose 100+ hairs a day. Sometimes we seem to lose more hair at times or notice more hair loss and that can also be normal. There is nothing wrong with getting a physical exam to make sure your daughter is healthy. Abnormal hair loss can be a sign of undiscovered health issues, but it is a very vague secondary symptom. It is a challenge to most doctors.

October 9, 2009

Losing Hair on Inner Thighs – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I’ve recently lost a large circle on my inner thighs. The spots are just below my inseam and are the exact same on both legs. What could this be? I’ve also been getting stabbing pains in mostly my left leg but some in my right.

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I suppose it could be your thighs rubbing together or rubbing on the material of your pants, creating traction alopecia in that area. The pain might be unrelated. I’d get examined by your doctor though, as this isn’t something I could even guess on via the Internet.

October 9, 2009

My Fine, Straight Hair is Thinning on One Side of My Head! – Balding Blog

I am 19 years old and I have fine, straight hair. The hair growing on the right side of my head is significantly thinner than the left side. I don’t remember having this problem as a child, but I have had it for awhile. I used to have such pretty hair, so it’s really upsetting. I think I have had this problem since I was about 11 or 12 years old, which is a pretty young age for hair loss. I remember getting my hair pulled really hard on the right side by a girl when I was in 7th grade, but I don’t know if that is the cause.

Also, I used to wash my hair everyday since about 12 years of age until earlier this year. I stopped after I realized how bad it is for your hair. I’ve been eating pretty healthy for the past 2 years(mostly fruits, veggies, and fish) and I take vitamins. Will that help at all? I switched to an all natural brand of shampoo and conditioner that is made of aloe vera, and I’ve stopped using harsh chemicals, however I still have problems with dry, irritated scalp. I have pretty low self esteem because of this, and I just don’t know what to do. I’m going to see a dermatologist soon, but according to this information, what do you think the cause is and can it be reversed?

Also, do you know of any good hair specialists in my area (Austin, TX)?

I am assuming that you are a male, since you didn’t specify…

Your diet won’t help regrow your hairline, but a healthy diet is always good practice anyway. First, as always, you need a diagnosis. This is likely your genetics, but you are doing the right thing by seeing a dermatologist, particularly with your irritated scalp condition. The genetic balding problem may play a role in the asymmetry, which is common in those going through male patterned hair loss. I don’t have referrals in Austin at this point, but you can review ISHRS.org to find a doctor in your area.

At 19 years old, I wouldn’t rush into a hair transplant surgery to balance out the hairline, but for those readers with a similar problem (that are a bit older than this young man), hairlines that are out-of-balance in men can be easily fixed with hair transplants.

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October 7, 2009

Hair Loss InformationHere’s My Family History – Now Tell Me When I’ll Bald! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hello there, I noticed that you have given some very useful advices to other people. I also have a question, whether i will be bald. My father is 40 years old, and he is showing some minor signs of balding. My father’s father is 68 and is not bald, still has a full head of hair, and my mother’s father has full head of hair. The problem is, that my mother’s mother’s brothers are both bald. What are the chances i will go bald? I really appretiate any answer.

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The genes responsible can skip generations and can be passed down from either side of the family. There’s really no easy way to pinpoint your chances of losing hair, but there is a genetic test that will tell you if you carry the gene. There’s no easy way to give an estimate of when you’ll lose hair just based on family history.

October 7, 2009

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Any Kind of Hair Loss? – Balding Blog

Dear Dr.Rassman

I’m 25 years old male and I have dandruff really bad. I’m losing more hair than usual and they start to get thinner even though I have no family signs of baldness. I went to the dermatologist and he said I have seborrheic dermatitis. Does minor and chronic seborrheic dermatitis cause permanent hairloss?Is there anyway to regrowth your hair.

Thank you very much

Seborrheic dermatitis is more commonly known as dandruff… and no, dandruff does not cause permanent hair loss. I suppose if you scratch your scalp and pull on your hair enough it can cause patchy hair loss. Your dandruff and your hair loss are most likely unrelated though, particularly if you’re experiencing patterned loss.

The gene can come from either side of the family and can skip generations, so when you say you “have no family signs of baldness”, I want to be sure you’re looking at more than just your father or uncle.

October 7, 2009

My Hair Loss and My Fungus – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dear Dr.

I’ve written to you before about different scientists in the world trying to find the gene which causes hair loss, and my own story about me facing hair loss when my dad first was facing hair loss in the age of 35. I’ve been so satisfied with your answers! Really!

I always try to keep up with the new questions to you. I saw the post about Nizoral shampoo and I would to add a comment.

In the past year and a half, I’ve been experiencing hair loss in such degree that I was very concerned. It came in strong. In the same period and still, when I was taking a bath my skin was so sensitive that when I robbed my palms against my chest, shoulders neck and face it was as if my skin came off in little white rolls. I really can’t and couldn’t understand this. I was wondering if my hair loss and my sensitive skin had something to do with each other. I talked with my doctor, and after convincing him I started taking propecia. It seems to help. I don’t know yet. I’ve only been taking propecia for two months.

I was still cornered about my skin, so I was sent to a specialist. She looked at me for 5 sec. and said I was suffering from some kind of fungus. I can’t remember the name. She prescribed 2 % Nizoral crème and shampoo. I’ve only been washing my hair with this for one week and it is as if my hair has gotten its life back. Without knowing, that some people claimed that Nizoral can help with hair loss, I was wondering why my hair suddenly felt so different. Maybe there is something about it. Even though my personal opinion about my skin “falling” off is that this isn’t fungus, I still think that I was suffering from some kind of fungus because of dandruff in my hair and some dandruff looking white flakes in my ear, and my not noticeable skin redness on my chest and face. I’m still trying to find out why my skin is “falling” off.

Best regards.

There is an association between dandruff (from seborrhea) and a fungus. Some people with dandruff seem to have a fungus called tinea versicolor (otherwise known as pityriasis versicolor), a condition which causes patches to develop on parts of the body, like the scalp, and many professionals believe that there is an association between the fungus and the dandruff. Nizoral (ketoconazole) is a good shampoo used to treat a scalp fungus. Keep in mind that Nizoral does not cure genetic hair loss, but people with genetic hair loss often have dandruff.

Skin is composed of a compressed layer of cells which are dead. Some people pay hundreds of dollars to go to beauty spas to have their facial dead skin rubbed off (exfoliation).

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