Baldness

Baldness or alopecia refers to hair loss from the scalp. It
can be caused by hereditary factors, ageing, skin conditions,
certain medications and diseases. It is more common in men than in
women.
 

The most common type of hair loss affecting men is male
pattern baldness. Heredity is a major factor in male pattern
Baldness. If either parent has thinning hair, the chance of their
children experiencing hair-loss is increased. The first areas of
the head to be affected are usually the top (at the back) or the
sides. Hair loss can begin at any age and the degree of Baldness
can vary from a bald spot in the back or a receding hairline, to
complete Baldness. 

Women are not affected as frequently as men and in most cases
there is only diffuse thinning of the hair. It is rare for a female
to suffer complete Baldness. The causes of Female-Pattern Hair Loss
include, excessive androgen (male hormone) production, anaemia,
severe illness, certain medications (e.g. those used to treat
cancer), an underactive thyroid or pituitary gland or pregnancy. In
some cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair grows
back.

Alopecia areata is the term used to describe the sudden loss
of hair in a particular area, most often from the head or beard.
Provided the hair loss is not widespread, the hair usually grows
back in a few months.
 

If the patient is already under the care of a Doctor,
prescribed medication (e.g. for cancer) may be a possible cause.
Sometimes this medication must be maintained and the hair loss has
to be ignored. People with male or female pattern Baldness can have
hair follicles removed from a part of the body and transplanted to
their scalp.

A product containing finasteride has been used successfully in
some cases of male pattern Baldness. Ask your Doctor whether this
product is suitable for you.

DIET HINTS

• Include plenty of protein-rich foods in the diet. 
• The diet should emphasise raw vegetables, particularly
  silicon-rich plants such as alfalfa, onion, kelp and rolled oats
  porridge.
• Zinc-containing foods such as oysters, herring, beef and
  pumpkin seeds are recommended.

• Biotin and vitamin B complex may strengthen hair, act as a hair
  and scalp conditioner and slow down hair loss. Biotin may even
  stimulate new hair growth if the hair loss can be traced to a
  biotin deficiency.
• Studies have shown saw palmetto is beneficial for hair loss in
  men and women. Saw Palmetto particularly has been  shown to
  increase hair growth in  men.
• Essential Fatty acids such as Flaxseed oil contains omega-3
  fatty acids, which can make hair more glossy and healthy looking.
  It may also be benficial in the relief of itching and flaking of
  dandruff and help prevent  psoriasis and eczema on the
  scalp.

Evening primrose oil (or borage oil) acts as a hair and scalp
moisturiser

• Silica can assist hair development.
• Rosemary oil may improve scalp circulation when massaged into
  the scalp.
• Zinc is required for hair development and some people deficient
  in zinc may suffer from hair loss.

If the hair is thinning, a few drops of rosemary essential oil
may be used in the shampoo, or place 2 to 3 drops neat on
fingertips and massage into scalp. The oil must be ESSENTIAL and
not fragrant.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Ask your Pharmacist about any medication that may be causing
   the problem.
2. Your Pharmacist will suggest a suitable soft shampoo and hair
   conditioner that will not rob the hair of important nutrients.
3. Ask for the latest product for hair loss. A product containing
   minoxidil 2% and 5% (in a lotion form) can be used for Baldness and
   may be available over-the-counter from your Pharmacy.
4.  Some nutritional supplements might be suggested if the
   diet is considered inadequate. See the Vitamins/Minerals/Herbs
   section of this topic for more information.
5. Ask your Pharmacist about hair care products that appear to
   increase the volume of the hair.