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Suggest Treatment For Severe Hair Fall, Dry Frizzy Hair Ends And Oily Scalp

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Posted on Sat, 1 Aug 2015
Question: Dear Sir,
I'm suffering from a severe hair loss problem, which though is not new to me, but is scarry. I'm scared of touching my hair, combing (I use wide tooth comb), oiling and even to take a head bath. In the last 5 yrs, every year there comes a time, when all of a sudden my hair starts falling in bunches and I've to visit a dermatologist, who prescribes me minioxidil solution alongwith few other capsules . But I think the moment I cease to apply this solution, the hair fall resumes in a matter of 2-3 months. In reference to what have I tried till now, I've seen a dermatologist in 2011(and continued his medicines till 4-5 months), 2012 (twice), 2013 (for 1-2 months), aurvedic doctor again in 2013 (for 7 months) and then tried homeopathic medicines by Dr. Batra (From August 2014 to till now). After all these years of consultation, I'm yet to find permanent results for my hair. For 1-2 months every year, my hair stops falling and looks healthy, but after that period, hair fall problem resumes.

For your reference, my hair is frizzy and my ends are dry but my scalp is oily. My hair looks a bit voluminuous, so the bald patches are not much visible, other than on my forehead, where the hairline is receding. And as per my serum feretin test reports, suggested to me by Dr. Batra, my serum feretin was around 9 in last october (2014), which the Dr. said was very low. But since, November 2014, I'm continuously taking Autrin tablet (1 per day). I was also told that my hair is thinning graudually. Since I was diagnosed with chicken pox in May 2015, I suppose that could also be a reason for my severe hair fall problem. (It was the only time in last 5 yrs, when I was severely ill). Prior to my chicken pox my hair was in a healthy stage, that usually stays in for 1-2 months, as I had mentioned earlier. And I'm also taking vit e capsules for my chicken pox scars. As somebody told me that sweating also leads to hair fall, so should I stop excercising for a while? as it does lead to excess sweating on my scalp.

Kindly look into my problem. I consulted you for my chicken pox scars and pits as well and looking forward to best suitable cure for my this problem as well.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Acute on Chronic Telogen effluvium; Component of Androgenetic alopecia

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read you query in detail and I understand that your concern about chronic hair fall, recent increase in hair fall and reduced density hair on frontal scalp.

In my view you could be having Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE) due to reduced iron stores which has now been unmasked recently by even increased hair fall i.e Acute Telogen Effluvium (ATE) after your recent medical illness i.e chicken pox. There might also be a component of Androgenetic alopecia as well.

Telogen is the resting phase of hair growth cycle and factors like low iron stores, preceding medical illness like dengue, malaria, chicken pox etc are all responsible for shifting the hair into telogen. Once hair enters telogen it is ultimately shed (Telogen effluvium).

Your Iron stores, suggested by serum ferritin levels were quite low.
Low iron stores are responsible for hair loss (chronic telogen effluvium) as is preceding medical illnesses like malaria, dengue, jaundice, chicken pox (Acute telogen effluvium).

Androgenetic alopecia on the other hand is genetically determined. It is characterised by reduced density of hair mainy from the front and mid part of scalp.
There is gradual miniaturization i.e thinning of hair follicles (hair becomes fine) and shortening of anagen phase (growth phase) of hair growth cycle.
Patient notices this shortening of anagen phase as reduced length of hair as compared to that what it used to be earlier.
They will usually complain that scalp hair does'nt grow as long as they used to earlier before being shed ultimately.
Shortening of anagen is also seen in chronic telgen effluvium (CTE).

Androgenetic alopecia may start at any time after puberty in genetically predisposed.

Androgenetic alopecia may be unmasked by hair loss due to other causes like reduced iron stores (CTE)/ Acute telogen effluvium.

You have been asked to use minoxidil solution, which is fine. Minoxidil is a non-specific hair growth promoter. It should be used 1 ml twice daily.

I would also suggest Oral finasteride 1 mg once daily.
Oral finasteride is specific for androgenetic alopecia and helps to arrest or reverse early miniaturization.
WORD OF CAUTION: YOU SHOULD NOT GET PREGNANT WHILE ON FINASTERIDE BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE FEMINIZATION OF MALE FETUS.
However, finasteride is usually not a problem in unmarried females and in females who have completed there families and can ensure adequate contraception. However, it should be stopped once you plan to get married.

Besides you may continue with Oral Iron supplement and also add an Oral Biotin supplement.
Vitamin C (Limcee) along with iron is to enhance bioavailability of Oral Iron.
Oral Iron would replenish reduced ferritin stores and correct hematologic parameters, which is probably responsible for telogen hair loss.

Oral Biotin would aid hair regrowth as well.

Treatment for hair fall is long term and results are quite gratifying for those who begin therapy early and continue for a long duration.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)
Dear Sir,

Can you prescribe me some good iron tabs, vit c tabs and biotin supplement & a good minioxidil solution, and guide me about their dosage. Am I supposed to take these 3 tabs together after meal, and after which meal should I take them.

As I told you earlier, my hair falls even while oiling. So, should I stop oiling my hair for some time?

Kindly also suggest me some good shampoo and conditioner for my falling hair, which could simultaneously also help in improving my hair texture and quality.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Remedies for hair fall

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Treatment of hair fall is often long term and response is gradual.
Accurate disgnosis, appropriate treatment and Compliance with treatment is an essential part in achieving satisfactory results.
Treatment for hair fall should always be taken under supervision of a dermatologist who may modify treatment from time to time and based on results.
I can suggest a few examples of available treatment options but they are only examples. Your treating dermatologist may choose to prescribe a different treatment regime based on his or her experience of patients.
Keep in touch with your treating dermatologist as newer modalites may become available over a period of time which may prove more effective.

In my view tab. Autrin is fine as an Iron supplement. You may take it empty stomach along with Limcee (Vitamin C). Vitamin C would facilitate absorption of iron.

Tablet. Revilus is a good Biotin supplement. Take it after breakfast. Other options are Tab. Proanagen.

Minoxidil is available as various brand names.
e.g Regaine 2% solution (contains 2% minoxidil by XXXXXXX and Johnson) is good. Proanagen solution (Minoxidil free product from Curatio) is also a good choices for hair fall in females.

You may do oiling 2 hours before shampoo. It would only act as a conditioner. Otherwise it has no role in hair fall.

Anaphase shampoo (ducray lab) is good and you may try it.
A conditioner like Triflow conditioner (curatio labs) may be used after shampoo. Regular use helps repair hair damage.

Avoid frequent combing. Protect your hair from harsh weather conditions like strong sun, wind (keep them covered), extreme cold.
Eat healthy, take adequate proteins in diet (hair is all protein), exercise in moderation.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)
Dear Sir,

As I told you, my scalp is oily and going by the reviews of anaphase shampoo, it seems it does dries up the scalp. So, is it meant for oily scalp as well? And whether Triflow conditioner should be used on scalp or only on length of the hair.


Proanagen solution is minioxidil free, so can it be used in place of minioxidil solution?

And usually how much time does it take to see noticeable results?

I would appreciate if you could suggest some hair oil as well.

Regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Specific replies related to hair fall problem

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Anaphase shampoo is basically a stimulating shampoo for hair loss conditions. You may find that it regulates scalp oil as an additional benefit.

Conditioner is to be used on hair only, not on scalp.

Proanagen is minoxidil free and can be used in place of minoxidil.

You need to use these for 1-3 months for noticeable results and continue after that for maintenance of results.

Hair oils are best avoided. However, you maytry 'Keshraksha Oil' by JRK's siddha pharma Ltd.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)
Dear Sir,

As you said, I'm supposed to continue the usage for maintenance of results, but there should be some time limit. As I can not go on applying these forever.

I'm a bit confused with the two variants of anaphase shampoo available online. Most of these sites I came across had 100 ml for Rs.440, while the one available in XXXXXXX was 200 ml for Rs. 3429. Which one I'm supposed to use?

As you said that I can take these medicines in consultation with my dermatologist. But I'm posted in a place where it's hard to find a good doctor, that's why I took the help of online portal. And in case of hairfall, doctors hardly check anything (my experience). Moreover, I'm not having the hairfall for the first time. It's an on and off thing for me, and all the time I have been prescribed the same medicine as yours, with the exception of proanagen. Though I have used minioxidil many times. So, if you could through some more light on the usage, after effects and any other important information relating to Proanagen, it would be of great help, as it's minioxidil free and I want to give it a try.

Would you also recommend me omegs-3 capsules and some other multi vitamin capsules for my hairfall?

Looking at my hairfall, can I go for treatments like hair spa etc, or smoothening or rebonding, Or can I CUSTOMARILY use hot rollers on my hair or blow dry it and how all these things are going to affect my hair?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Advice regarding hair fall

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

You must use these for at least 6 months and then you may discontinue with Iron supplementation. Thereafter attention should be paid to dietary sources rich in Iron.
Biotin can be taken long term even for 1-2 years without any side effects. Proanagen tablets contains Biotin along with additional ingredients like taurine, B-TGF Inhibitor (B-TGF is implicated in hair fall conditions i.e telogen effluvium). You need to take one daily. Alternatively you may either take Tab Revilus which I had suggested earlier
I am not sure Omega-3 or general multivitamins would be specifically useful for you.

Regarding topical solution i.e proanagen, you need to use once daily at night (2.5-5ml) for 4-6 months and thereafter every alternate days Or twice in a week for maintenance. There is no time limit for maintenance.
Proanagen contains Aminexil (Diaminopyrimidine oxide). It is alcohol free and minoxidil free and therefore does no cause dryness/scaling of scalp.

There is only one Anaphase shampoo but there is lot of price difference at different portals. You may try either of these from online stores Or you may try to find one at a local chemist store.

Hair spa would be fine but I strongly advice you against hot rollers and blowing dry your hair Or chemical treatments like straightening/ relaxers etc as these usually cause damage to hair shaft and hair fall.

Since you recently had chicken pox; it is usual to expect increased hair shedding after 1-3 months of a medical illness i.e Acute Telogen Effluvium. This phase may last for 1-3 months
Above measures along with attention to diet should help overcome this phase faster.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Hair Fall, Dry Frizzy Hair Ends And Oily Scalp

Brief Answer: Acute on Chronic Telogen effluvium; Component of Androgenetic alopecia Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have read you query in detail and I understand that your concern about chronic hair fall, recent increase in hair fall and reduced density hair on frontal scalp. In my view you could be having Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE) due to reduced iron stores which has now been unmasked recently by even increased hair fall i.e Acute Telogen Effluvium (ATE) after your recent medical illness i.e chicken pox. There might also be a component of Androgenetic alopecia as well. Telogen is the resting phase of hair growth cycle and factors like low iron stores, preceding medical illness like dengue, malaria, chicken pox etc are all responsible for shifting the hair into telogen. Once hair enters telogen it is ultimately shed (Telogen effluvium). Your Iron stores, suggested by serum ferritin levels were quite low. Low iron stores are responsible for hair loss (chronic telogen effluvium) as is preceding medical illnesses like malaria, dengue, jaundice, chicken pox (Acute telogen effluvium). Androgenetic alopecia on the other hand is genetically determined. It is characterised by reduced density of hair mainy from the front and mid part of scalp. There is gradual miniaturization i.e thinning of hair follicles (hair becomes fine) and shortening of anagen phase (growth phase) of hair growth cycle. Patient notices this shortening of anagen phase as reduced length of hair as compared to that what it used to be earlier. They will usually complain that scalp hair does'nt grow as long as they used to earlier before being shed ultimately. Shortening of anagen is also seen in chronic telgen effluvium (CTE). Androgenetic alopecia may start at any time after puberty in genetically predisposed. Androgenetic alopecia may be unmasked by hair loss due to other causes like reduced iron stores (CTE)/ Acute telogen effluvium. You have been asked to use minoxidil solution, which is fine. Minoxidil is a non-specific hair growth promoter. It should be used 1 ml twice daily. I would also suggest Oral finasteride 1 mg once daily. Oral finasteride is specific for androgenetic alopecia and helps to arrest or reverse early miniaturization. WORD OF CAUTION: YOU SHOULD NOT GET PREGNANT WHILE ON FINASTERIDE BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE FEMINIZATION OF MALE FETUS. However, finasteride is usually not a problem in unmarried females and in females who have completed there families and can ensure adequate contraception. However, it should be stopped once you plan to get married. Besides you may continue with Oral Iron supplement and also add an Oral Biotin supplement. Vitamin C (Limcee) along with iron is to enhance bioavailability of Oral Iron. Oral Iron would replenish reduced ferritin stores and correct hematologic parameters, which is probably responsible for telogen hair loss. Oral Biotin would aid hair regrowth as well. Treatment for hair fall is long term and results are quite gratifying for those who begin therapy early and continue for a long duration. Regards