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Ann Dermatol Venereol 2002 May;129(5 Pt 2):831-6
Alopecia areata: update on therapy
The management of patients with alopecia areata is obviously not restricted to the prescription of a treatment inducing hair growth. It requires thorough exploration (history of hair loss, treatments and concomitant pathologies), detailed clinical examination of the integument and palpation of the thyroid. The patient must, systematically, be given a simple explanation of his/her pathology, thus avoiding any feelings of mystery, hopelessness and guilt and hence paradoxically turning alopecia into "just another disease", even if flares are unpredictable and cannot always be treated. Innovations over the past few years have not met dermatologist's expectations: in particular immunosuppressors administered locally have not shown efficacy in human, as opposed to animal models of alopecia areata. Moreover, we must remain critical and rigorous with regard to "false" innovations: several recent publications are, methodologically, open to criticism. Older products provide clear descriptions of their indications and use, and relatively standardize the therapeutic approach to alopecia. Some of them lead to hair growth on the treated area: localized immuno-therapy that in certain cases induces hair growth where other treatments have failed. PUVA-therapy, however, because of frequent relapses on withdrawal and the characteristic recurrence of alopecia, rapidly leads to the use of high cumulative doses; balneo-PUVA therapy is effective with lower doses (PUVA-turban). Recently, UVB TL01 has shown efficacy in anecdotal studies. Local corticosteroids; notably injectable and anthralin, an old treatment which remains a useful therapeutic approach in alopecia areata plaques and in the ophiasic forms in children and adults. Finally, among the available treatment arms, systemic corticosteroids still have a place in recent extended forms: although still under experimentation, the bolus appears efficient during the primary episodes of alopecia areata, when administered within the first three months
Clin Exp Dermatol 2002 Jul;27(5):389-5
Telogen effluvium.
The term telogen effluvium, first coined by Kligman in 1961, refers to the loss of club (telogen) hair in disease states of the follicle. Kligman's hypothesis was that whatever the cause of hair loss, the follicle tends to behave in a similar way, namely the premature termination of anagen. "The follicle is precipitated into catagen and transforms into a resting stage that mimics telogen." Ipso facto the observation of telogen hair loss does not infer a cause. To establish the cause of the hair loss, one requires a history to identify known triggers, biochemical investigations to exclude endocrine, nutritional or autoimmune aetiologies and in many cases histology to identify the earliest stages of androgenetic alopecia. The duration of the hair loss at presentation helps predict those patients in whom further investigation will have the greatest yield. "It is unfortunate that baldness has been approached with an eye toward "regrowing" or "restoring hair", and thus with a tendency toward commercialism. Locked within the metamorphosing hair follicles in the balding scalp are all the secrets of growth and differentation. Searching for these secrets should transcend the eagerness to "regrow" hair on a bald scalp, an achievement which is of no great consequence. When we know these answers, we shall have the key, not to hair growth alone, but to all growth, which is, after all, the basis of all biological phenomena." William Montagna, 1959.
Br J Nurs. 2003 May 8-21;12(9):550-8.
Case study of alopecia universalis and web-based news groups.
This article presents findings from an 18-month case study of a web-based news group used by individuals with alopecia universalis. Content analysis of 228 episodes of web-based communication that occurred in relation to themes of discussion was undertaken, supported by the use of concept mapping (Northcott, 1996). Analysis identified a core concept relating to that of a community of shared experience together with four supportive themes. The themes were the search for understanding and meaning, carrying on, seeking balance between past, present and future, and relating to new self, others, and the world. The article discusses the increased growth in the use of the web as a vehicle for exploring health concerns and the specific ethical and methodological issues raised by research in this area.
Australas J Dermatol. 2003 Feb;44(1):10-8.
Methods of evaluating hair growth.
For decades, scientists and clinicians have examined methods of measuring scalp hair growth. With the development of drugs that stem or even reverse the miniaturization of androgenetic alopecia, there has been a greater need for reliable, economical and minimally invasive means of measuring hair growth and, specifically, response to therapy. We review the various methods of measurement described to date, their limitations and value to the clinician. In our opinion, the potential of computer-assisted technology in this field is yet to be maximized and the currently available tools are less than ideal. The most valuable means of measurement at the present time are global photography and phototrichogram-based techniques (with digital image analysis) such as the 'TrichoScan'. Subjective scoring systems are also of value in the overall assessment of response to therapy and these are under-utilized and merit further refinement.
Natural Herbal Supplement: Hair Million
Hair loss, or alopecia is a concern for increasing number of folks in aging society. Loss of hair is indeed a visible problem.
The phenomenon of hair thinning and hair loss is most commonly associated with natural phenomena associated with aging, there are many other causes of hair loss, which include inherited or genetic conditions, illnesses, malnutrition, stress, hormonal problems, chemotherapy, and use of some drugs.
Hair growth is a sophisticated biological process, which has not yet been completely understood. A multitude of therapeutic measures, including drugs, surgery, and suppelements have been made available, and used. However, due to the diversity of the problems underlying hair loss, there is no single solution for all hair loss cases. Most of chemical drugs and hair transplantation surgeries are not free from varying degrees of undesirable side effects on health.
Hair Million is an alternative solution to hair loss problems. Anecdotally, it shows prositive results and improvement for age-related hair thinning and hair loss for a fraction of people who take it. We do not know the mechanisms of action as to how Hair Million works to help stop hair loss, and promote hair growth. We only know by anecdotal observations. There has been no clinical trials nor placebo controlled statistical analysis on the efficacy of HairMillion on hair loss and hair growth.
Bottom line is that there are two merits in this hair restoration herbal formula:
Firstly, Hair Million is rather inexpensive, and secondly, it is made of well known herbs that are safe when consumed in regular quantities. For clinically tested prescription medication, try Propecia.
DHEA has been suggested to provide numerous potential benefits. DHEA (or dehydroepiandrosterone) is converted into androgens (male hormones)
or estrogens (female hormones) in the cells.
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