Treating female hair loss and the causes of female pattern hair loss and androgenetic alopecia are discussed by Dr Martin Wade from The London Skin and Hair Clinic in this weeks article.
The cause of female pattern hair loss
A process of miniaturisation occurs in women to cause female pattern hair loss. That is, each time the hair follicle goes through the hair cycle it becomes 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 in the scalp.
Women begin to lose their hair by going diffusely thin on the vertex (the top of the scalp). Sometimes temporal recession is also seen (loss of hair at the corners of the frontal hair line).
There are a few hair conditions that can result in generalised thinning of hair on the top of the scalp. It is therefore very important that the correct diagnosis is made before embarking on treatment for hair loss in women.
Treatment for female pattern hair loss and androgenetic alopecia
Women with this trait develop thinning hair but do not usually become completely bald. There is now good treatment for female pattern hair loss which is aimed at reversing the process and promoting regrowth. In peer reviewed studies, 88% of women with this form of hair loss attained a positive outcome with treatment.
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Find out more about female hair loss, female pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, 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.
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.
Going Grey Overnight
The Daily Star ran an article titled “Match of the Grey – Bosses’ jobs are so hairy” here in London on Friday 27th November 2009. It claimed that Top football bosses take just six years to turn grey citing examples of Sunderland’s Steve Bruce in 2007, Kevin Keegan during the 1995-96 season, Sir Alex Ferguson in the 94-95 season and Arsene Wenger in 1999.
I was asked to provide some input into the article, as a Hair Specialist at The London Skin and Hair Clinic.
The reality is that Top football bosses are no more or less likely to go grey than any other male in their age group. The age at which men start to go grey, and the rate of going grey is genetically determined. Football Managers are typically at the age when men start to go grey. The average age of white hair developing on the scalp is 34, and at age 50, 50% of the population have 50% grey hairs on their scalp.
‘Going grey overnight’ is very rare and is due to diffuse alopecia areata, which causes the loss of pigmented hair and the retention of grey hair, giving the impression of sudden greying. Stress is one of the causes (but not the only cause) and the best treatment is to remove the cause of the stress. It may be that football fans experience similar levels of stress to Football Managers. There can be re-growth of the pigmented hair once the stress is removed if the cause, however the grey hairs will stay grey.
The only known treatment for dealing with grey hair is to dye one’s hair.
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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.
02 Dec 2009 at 12:34
Dr Martin Wade
General Dermatology
1 Comment
I hope to use this forum as a way to provide commentary, thoughts and opinion on dermatology. I am particularly interested in:
- hair loss, hair disorders and scalp conditions,
- Skin cancer and melanoma, and
- Acne
While the majority of my articles are likely to focus on these areas, I’ll also comment on general dermatology and skin and hair conditions, symptoms and signs, and treatment.
I hope to use this forum as a way to educate, raise awareness, and stimulate debate and discussion in these areas. If there are particular areas you would like me to write on, please feel free to email me at doctor@LSAH.co.uk.
Regards,
Dr Martin Wade
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Dr Martin Wade is a Consultant Dermatologist with the NHS and has a private clinic at The London Skin and Hair Clinic. He consults on all General Dermatology and specialises in hair loss, hair disorders and scalp conditions. Dr Martin Wade is experienced in treating skin cancer and melanoma through his Dermatological experience in Australia which included working at one of the major melanoma units.
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.
