Dermatologist Recommended Treatments for Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss in men is a very common problem. Iron deficiency, internal medical problems and certain infections can cause hair loss. However, the most common cause of hair loss in men is Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness). Almost 1 in 7 men suffer from various degrees of male pattern baldness. In India, this would run into millions of men. People, however, vary in their response to the problem. Some are not bothered by it and take it as a part of life. Many however go through various degrees of psychological trauma associated with hair loss. So, here are a few non-surgical treatment options suitable for younger men suffering from androgenetic alopecia.

Medications
Studies show that biotin strengthens the hair follicle and promotes hair growth. Biotin is one of the most expensive vitamins and is found in B-complex tablets, it is usually present in very low doses. High dose of biotin 8-10 mg are available invitamins targeted for hair growth. Naturally, biotin is present in non-vegetarian foods like eggs, organ meat and dairy products. Vegetarian sources include dark green leafy vegetables, lettuce, cabbage, spinach and nuts like almonds and walnuts.

A Minoxidil based lotion can also be used in the initial stages. It increases the blood supply to the scalp and can help reduce hair loss.

Finasteride, a medication which reduces the effect of the male hormone on the hair follicle by preventing it from converting into the active hormone can also be used. This however, may have side effects and should be initiated only after a specialist consultation.

Microneedling 

In this, a roller blade like instrument called a dermaroller is gently rubbed on the areas of hair loss. This irritation of the skin stimulates the stem cells present in the deeper part of the hair follicle. The stem cells then grow out and have the potential to develop into new hair follicles. This is very effective in the initial stages of alopecia. The effect can be further enhanced by infusion of growth factors or stem cells. The channels created in the scalp with microneedling enables active medications to penetrate into the deeper layers where they are more effective.

Mesotherapy
Tiny injections of stem cells are administered into the skin. The injections are placed where they can have maximum benefit and there is very little wastage. This can be painful but the pain is significantly minimised by using a local numbing cream prior to the procedure. Advancement to this procedure is microneedling with the infusion of stem cells. This gives the benefits of microneedling in addition to the benefits of stem cell injection.

PRP (Platelet rich plasma)
The clients blood is drawn in the morning. The blood sample is then processed and the platelets are seperated. The platelets are then activated. These active platelets are then infused into the areas of hair loss in the scalp with microneedling or direct injections. The activated platelets can help reverse hair loss.

All these need to be carried out in conjunction with lifestyle factors. One needs to use a mild shampoo, restrict the use of chemicals like hair dyes, perming solutions and hair relaxers.

The process of regenerating new hair follicles and reversing the hair lossoccurs over a period of months and requires patience and persistence. If the treatment schedule is followed, the results can be very gratifying and can postpone the need for  hair transplant surgery. 

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