The best hair loss treatments available are discussed in turn by Dr Martin Wade in this weeks article. This is the second and final part of a two part article which started last week. You can read the first article on the best hair loss treatments here.
In these two articles I have been describing the best hair loss treatments that can slow the rate of hair loss, stop the hair loss, and encourage new hair growth. Avoiding ‘miracle-cures’ I have focused on hair loss treatments backed by clinical trials and medical research. In last weeks article I discussed the importance of diagnosing the root cause, Finasteride, Anti-androgen therapy, Topical formulations such as Minoxidil and Topical steroid cream. There are a number of other treatments that can be effective.
6. Injections into the scalp
Injections of low-dose steroid directly into the scalp can be very effective treatments for alopecia areata and some of the scarring alopecias. The dose, quantity and site of injection are all important in obtaining the best outcome without any side-effects.
7. Immunotherapy
For resistant cases of alopecia areata immunotherapy in the form of DCP therapy can sometimes be used with good results. This treatment involves making a patient allergic to a particular synthetic chemical and then using a weaker concentration of this chemical on the scalp on a weekly basis to try and elicit a mild dermatitis on the scalp. This treatment is time-consuming and fiddly and is offered only in specialist centres.
8. Systemic treatments such as tablets
For some of the scarring alopecias and more severe cases of alopecia areata systemic medications are sometimes required to slow down or arrest the inflammatory process. This may include antimalarial medications for some of the scarring alopecias or immunosuppressive medication for alopecia areata or the scarring alopecias. Very occasionally systemic steroids are indicated for rapid hair loss due to alopecia areata or some of the autoimmune scarring alopecias.
9. Biologics and other treatments
Recent research with some of the newer biologic agents which are delivered as injections into the body which are now being used for more severe cases of psoriasis have also been tested for some forms of hair loss. Unfortunately to date all the biologic medications have been disappointingly ineffective for alopecia areata. Another treatment sometimes cited in the literature is PUVA or phototherapy, however results of this treatment are slow and sporadic.
Unfortunately, there is a proportion of the population who do not respond to treatment to hair loss.
Monitoring response to any hair loss treatment is vital and so at my clinic I make use of a medical digital photography system which allows accurate, reproducible photographs to be taken at specified time intervals for comparison.
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Find out more about hair loss and general dermatology by visiting the websites of Dr Martin Wade and The London Skin and Hair Clinic.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis and treatment. An accurate diagnosis can only be determined through a face to face consultation with a qualified Dermatologist.
