HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Hair Loss In A Diabetic Patient

default
Posted on Thu, 9 Jul 2015
Question: hi i'm a 62 year woman with diabetes and high blood pressure. i take medication for both. about a month ago my hair started falling out it always has but this time in excess i take biotin it help some but today i dyed my hair which i was stalling doing that but my gray hair was just showing too much and i was feeling bad about it because i deal with the public on a daily basis. i have never taken estrogen of any kind my diet is the same i eat as healthy as i can i'm hispanic so my diet is mainly everything homemade. can you please help me, i know i need to see a doctor!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Topical Minoxidil and oral finasteride is the drug of choice for hair loss.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Welcome to health care magic,
I have read your query and understand the concern,

Hair loss (alopecia) is the medical description of the loss of hair from the head or body, sometimes to the extent of baldness.

A loss of 80 to 100 hairs per day could be considered as a normal but beyond that, needs special attention.

There are different reasons for hair loss like,

1) improper hair care result in excessive hair loss,
2) hereditary thinning or balding,
3) combing and brushing too often can also damage hair or
4) in certain diseases like diabetes (could be the reason in your case), lupus and thyroid disorders.

A biotin supplement (which you are taking already) once daily would be useful to prevent and treat it.So you can continue with that.

Minoxidil is used for the treatment of Androgenetic alopecia or Alopecia areata. which is actually a liquid that you rub into your scalp twice daily to regrow hair and to prevent further loss.

Minoxidil should be used on absolutely clean scalp. Since the drug is available in an alcoholic base therefore it won't mix with Oil and Oil would form film impermeable to Minoxidil.

You may use oil 2 hours before shampooing hair.

Results are usually noticeable over a period of 6-12 months of regular Minoxidil use and oral treatment.The results are maximal at 1-2 years of combined treatment (Oral + topical) and then may be maintained with just Oral treatment.

So,I would advice you to book appointment with dermatologist who can start the treatment at earliest and also take your medications for DM and HTN regularly.

Regards,

Dr.SandipKabra
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sandip Kabra

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3078 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Hair Loss In A Diabetic Patient

Brief Answer: Topical Minoxidil and oral finasteride is the drug of choice for hair loss. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXX, Welcome to health care magic, I have read your query and understand the concern, Hair loss (alopecia) is the medical description of the loss of hair from the head or body, sometimes to the extent of baldness. A loss of 80 to 100 hairs per day could be considered as a normal but beyond that, needs special attention. There are different reasons for hair loss like, 1) improper hair care result in excessive hair loss, 2) hereditary thinning or balding, 3) combing and brushing too often can also damage hair or 4) in certain diseases like diabetes (could be the reason in your case), lupus and thyroid disorders. A biotin supplement (which you are taking already) once daily would be useful to prevent and treat it.So you can continue with that. Minoxidil is used for the treatment of Androgenetic alopecia or Alopecia areata. which is actually a liquid that you rub into your scalp twice daily to regrow hair and to prevent further loss. Minoxidil should be used on absolutely clean scalp. Since the drug is available in an alcoholic base therefore it won't mix with Oil and Oil would form film impermeable to Minoxidil. You may use oil 2 hours before shampooing hair. Results are usually noticeable over a period of 6-12 months of regular Minoxidil use and oral treatment.The results are maximal at 1-2 years of combined treatment (Oral + topical) and then may be maintained with just Oral treatment. So,I would advice you to book appointment with dermatologist who can start the treatment at earliest and also take your medications for DM and HTN regularly. Regards, Dr.SandipKabra