Definition
Commonly known as baldness, alopecia indicates a condition characterized by progressive hair loss, both in terms of quantity (number of hairs) and qualitative (reduction of thickness and elasticity of the hair). The most widespread form is androgenetic alopecia, a typically male hereditary condition, strongly influenced by hormonal variation; among other forms, alopecia areata and aldecia due to thyridism are also mentioned.
Causes
Alopecia is heavily influenced by the genetic component, but also psycho-physical stress and traumatic events influence the appearance of the condition; furthermore, it has been observed that the decrease in immune defenses and autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) favor the pathogenesis. Men are more affected by alopecia than women.
- To manifest itself, androgenetic alopecia requires an androgenetic component → a child cannot be affected for this reason
Symptoms
Most of the time, the quantitative and qualitative loss of the hair is the only symptom that characterizes alopecia, although some affected individuals often complain of discomfort and / or itching of the scalp. Alopecia can also affect beard, eyebrows or hair that covers the limbs. Hair loss can also be total: androgenetic alopecia is irreversible, while the telogenic one (in response to strong stress) is generally reversible.
Natural Care
Information on Alopecia - Drugs for the Treatment of Alopecia is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Alopecia - Drugs for the Treatment of Alopecia.
drugs
As it appears in 80% of men, alopecia is a particularly acute aesthetic problem, to the point that it leads to even important psychological repercussions; in this regard - although it is an almost physiological condition of the male world - drugs to stop and reverse hair thinning are increasingly in demand. Alopecia, in fact, is often experienced as a profound embarrassment, so much so that it has more or less negative repercussions in the psychology of the person.
For the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia, two drugs are essentially used:
- Finasteride (eg Prostide, Proscar, Propecia, Sitas, Finerid): this drug is authorized for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (type 2), implicated in the miniaturization of the hair (which becomes thin and fragile). The recommended dose is 1 mg orally, to be taken once a day. It is important to emphasize that the therapeutic efficacy of the active ingredient is not immediate: the effect is generally observed 3-6 months after the first intake, and at the end of the therapy the problem reappears after 6-12 months. As already analyzed, androgenetic alopecia is irreversible.
- Alfatradiol: similarly to finasteride, it acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, with the difference that its administration occurs for topical life limiting its systemic effects; the efficacy of this innovative drug seems to be limited to the ability to stop (but not reverse) hair loss;
- Minoxidil (eg Loniten, Minoximen, Carexidil, Aloxidil, Regaine, Minovital): this drug is applied directly to the skin affected by alopecia (scalp), stimulating hair growth. The drug carries out its activity exclusively during the period of employment. Observe the following method of administration: 1 ml twice a day, on scalp and dry hair. Do not exceed 2 ml per day.
In case of advanced alopecia, drug treatment is not recommended because it is ineffective in most cases; in this case, alternative thickening practices or self-hair transplantation (surgical redistribution of the hair bulbs) are recommended.
The second-line drugs used in therapy for the treatment of alopecia include:
- Triamcinolone (eg Kenakort): belonging to the class of glucocorticoids; it is recommended to apply 25-30 mg of active sub-cutaneously, twice a week (concentration of 10 mg / ml). The maximum dose of medication should not exceed 75 mg per week. Indicated for the treatment of alopecia areata.
- Sulfasalazine (eg. Salazopyrin): second choice anti-inflammatory-immunomodulator drug to treat baldness. The recommended dose ranges from 500 mg to 3 grams of drug per os per day, for 6 months. Indicated for the treatment of alopecia areata, especially on an autoimmune basis.
Notes : phytotherapy also intervenes in the treatment of alopecia: plants with an astringent action, eudermic drugs and essential oils that stimulate microcirculation can attenuate - albeit temporarily - the inevitable process of hair loss.
The most used plants are: Quillaja saponaria, Nettle, Rosemary, Capsicum, Elm, Thyme, Burdock and Walnut. The plants just described represent effective natural remedies for alopecia, to be rubbed energetically on the scalp, after having applied them directly.
The treatment of female androgenetic alopecia instead involves the use of drugs to be applied directly on the scalp, based on progestins, estrogens (estrone sulphate) or minoxidil. Systemic therapy (oral medication) is instead indicated in case of endocrine problems, such as hyperandrogenism, often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome; in this case we will use drugs such as spironolactone antiandrogen, cyproterone or the contraceptive pill.
