Category: Uncategorized

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Rogaine Foam on the Temples Has Caused Shedding All Over My Scalp

I am a 21 year old male who has recently (6 weeks ago) started using Rogaine foam. I had noticed the hair at my temples thinning but the hair elsewhere on my head I was happy with- it has been the same thickness (I THINK) since I was 16.

I have a couple quick questions which I would be extremely grateful that you answered to put my mind at ease!

Firstly, will 5% minoxidil foam help this type of balding? I have only been applying the foam to my temple area. Secondly, since starting the treatment, my hair has been shedding more ALL OVER. This has lasted the whole 6 weeks (getting slightly better now). I have noticed this is said to be a good sign but should the shedding last this long and is it normal for the minoxidil to affect the hair I haven’t applied it too? Finally, the texture of my hair has changed all over since beginning treatment, feeling more dry and lifeless. Is this normal or should I be worried?

Thank You!

Rogaine FoamRogaine Foam is meant for use on the top, crown, or vertex area of the scalp. It is not likely to work on the front temples. I realize many people apply the foam to the front areas, but it will have minimal effect (if any).

Rogaine should not cause hair loss or shedding of hair all over the scalp, though it may cause some initial shedding in the first month, as I have heard some people mention this phenomenon. With continued use it should grow back.

I am not aware of changes in texture of hair being a common side effect, though I suppose the alcohol in the treatment could be the culprit.

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Why is my donor area red and without regrowth?

I would have to (1) know how many grafts you had taken and (2) see your same picture in another 3 months with the same hair cut. That will tell me if it is an over-harvested donor area. I would hope that the redness would be gone in a week or two.


2019-01-14 14:12:38Why is my donor area red and without regrowth?

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Rubber Bands Caused Scalp Bumps?

Hi doctor,
I am a 19 year old male who had really long hair a year ago. I use to tie my hair in a bun with lots of rubber bands. The rubber bands were pushed really hard against my scalp and my scalped from a bruise/bump. The bruise was red, painful, itchy, and bumpy. I pushed down on the bump with my thumb to make it flat and applied Neosporin. The swelling went away but the hair loss remains till this day. My dermatologist recommended rogaine foam but i have seen little progress(5 months in.)My doctor does not recommend cortisone injections.

Rubber bandYou were not doing yourself justice with making tight rubber bands pull on your scalp. This can cause traction alopecia. In your case though, I can’t tell you what is going on with your scalp without seeing you directly.

Are you balding all elsewhere or just one hairless spot? Are there local areas that are missing hair? I can keep asking questions, but without even a picture, I am helpless.

You may wish to see another dermatologist if you don’t feel you were given adequate time or treatment. Or go back and ask your dermatologist for a follow-up.

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Dosing oral minoxidil

Is there a known correlation between patient size, weight, height and appropriate oral min dosage or does it vary regardless you think?

I am not familiar with weight or height considerations for oral minoxidil. A dosage between 1.25 and 2.5 mgs daily is the correct dose with the least potential cardiovascular side effects

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Scalp Biopsy Misdiagnosis?

Is it possible to have a misdiagnosis from a scalp biopsy?

It depends upon what the biopsy is for. If it is for classic male pattern balding, then the answer is yes. If it is for cancer or other real pathology, there are always human variables that relate to skills and specialization.


2007-08-30 08:34:52Scalp Biopsy Misdiagnosis?

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Forget Stem Cell for Hair! Here Is Dr William Rassman’s BioTech Video Created For A Shark Tank Interview

When Dr. Rassman is not busy inventing hair transplant related devices and procedures, he runs a company called Mavenbiotech.

He will summarize the label-free imaging technology for measuring biomolecular interactions in a microarray format by using a video with ping pong balls to illustrate how antibodies work. Dr. Rassman believes that this technology will change the timeliness of medical care delivery

For those who cannot wait, skip to 4:50 on the video.

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Scalp MicroPigmentation Allergy Risk?

Is there any risk of allergic response to the pigments?

I have had increasing allergic responses to a number of medications and foods over the past few years (hives). It would be catastrophic to have a whole scalp covered with this and then find out it triggers a hive response.

There is a risk of allergies to the pigments, which contain metal oxides. While generally rare, the most common allergy is to these metals. All patients are skin tested to the dyes prior to starting the full process, but this only covers short term detectable allergies.

According to BMEzine:

    “It should be noted that allergies can develop over time with exposure (which is why there are more rice allergies in Asia than North America; but those allergies don’t start occurring until fifty or so), and that they may not show up until years later (when the allergy develops).

    – snip –

    While you could get spot tests done in theory with tattoo ink, this is virtually unheard of and in my opinion not entirely viable, and there is no readily available way to know in advance whether you will have such a reaction. Thankfully they are quite rare.“

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Dutasteride and depression

Hello dr rassman Im from south korea and i ve heard about you from NHI in korea I ve took finasteride for over 10years with out side effects 2month ago i started dutasteride After 5-6weeks i felt depression. First time in my life. 8 weeks i finally give up taking dutasteride to go back to finasteride. Now its almost 10 days and still have depressive mood. I’m wondering is it ok to maintain finasteride 1mg untill dutasteride half life ends (i know its 5weeks)

The drug dutasteride will last a good 3 months or possibly more as there is tissue fixation that also occurs. Six weeks is the blood/serum half-life. Be patient.