Male pattern baldness, it’s causes, signs and symptoms and treatment, are discussed by Dr Martin Wade from The London Skin and Hair Clinic in this weeks blog.
Male pattern baldness
We describe the cause of male pattern baldness as androgenetic alopeica. Actually, what is happening is a process of hair thinning or miniaturisation. The reason a man’s hair gets thin when he suffers from androgenetic alopecia is due to the process of miniaturisation. Each time selected hair follicles go through the hair cycle they become smaller and smaller and thus produces a smaller hair shaft. Eventually the hair shaft is so small that it does not protrude above the level of the skin of the scalp.
Men lose their hair or go bald in a very predictable pattern. Hair on the vertex (top of the head) begins to thin and there may be bilateral temporal recession (loss of hair at the corners of the frontal hair line). This gradually progresses with the hair in this region becoming thinner and thinner and in some people will eventually lead to complete baldness on the top of the scalp. The end-stage is hair like the stereotyped monk’s hair style. This is because the hairs at the back of the scalp are genetically preserved from this process of miniaturization.
Fortunately, there is treatment available today (including finasteride and topical minoxidil) which can either arrest or reverse the process of miniaturisation. This means the process of male pattern hair loss in most cases is stopped and in many patients (but not all patients) regrowth of hair can be achieved. A Dermatologist can advise the appropriate strength of treatment. If minoxidil is appropriate for treatment, an over the counter preparation such as Regaine(R) (which is labelled Rogaine(R) in the United States) is appropriate at the strength recommended by your Dermatologist. (Please note I have no financial interest in these products or in recommending them). Many hair treatment businesses or Trichologists (not necessarily trained health professionals) may try to market hair regrowth products which may be essentially minoxidil sold at a much higher price. I would always recommend asking to see the clinic evidence or research behind such a product if it is offered to you. For example, research has now shown that a 12% preparation is not any more effective than a 5% preparation.
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Find out more about skin cancer, acne, 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.
