Is There A Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Diet
What you eat and drink affects your general health. For this reason, dermatologists have been studying what role diet may have on FFA. To date, these studies have not found that any foods can help stop FFA or regrow hair.
Your dermatologist may also recommend self-care tips. When used along with treatment, self-care can improve your overall results.
To see the self-care tips that dermatologists recommend, go to: Frontal fibrosing alopecia: Self-care.
ImagesImage 1: Used with permission of DermNet NZImage 2: Getty Images
ReferencesDanesh M, Murase JE. Increasing utility of finasteride for frontal fibrosing alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 72:e157.
Gamret AC, Potluri VS, et al. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: Efficacy of treatment modalities. Int J Womens Health. 2019 Apr 29 11:273-85.
Ho A, Shapiro J. Medical therapy for frontal fibrosing alopecia: A review and clinical approach. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 81:568-80.
Imhof R, Tolkachjov SN. Optimal management of frontal fibrosing alopecia: A practical guide. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 13:897-910.
Pham CT, Romero K, et al. The role of diet as an adjuvant treatment in scarring and nonscarring alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord. 2020 6:88-96.
Sperling LC, Sinclair RD, et al. Alopecias. In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. . Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018: 1178-9.
Vañó-Galván S, Molina-Ruiz AM, et al. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: A multicenter review of 355 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 70:670-8.
Topical Minoxidil And Oral Finasteride
Concoctions purported to regrow hair have been sold to an uncritical public for generations. Most of these tonics have had a temporary effect or no effect at all. In 1989, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines for the use of products for hair growth or hair loss prevention, which cleared the shelves of ineffective nonprescription products.
In 1980, the first case report was published of hair growth related to the use of oral minoxidil, an agent marketed for the treatment of severe hypertension. Finasteride initially was marketed for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. The action of the latter agent lowers DHT levels by inhibiting 5-reductase. Since DHT had a known role in androgenic hair loss, the use of finasteride in treating hair loss was pursued early in the development of this agent.
How To Use Minoxidil
There are three different forms that you can get Minoxidil in cream, liquid, and foam. Any one of these can work for you. However, as a general rule, the liquid is easier to work into your scalp and in areas with a bit of hair.
The foam is better suited to areas that dont have any hair at all to them. This is because the foam can get stuck on your hair. It tends to be harder to rub in all the way. On the other hand, it also means that it sticks more to your scalp instead of running off as quickly as the liquid option does.
For this same reason, the cream is also best to use in areas with little hair. This option can stay in place longer than even the foam can. However, this can be slightly harder to find than the other two options, which are more popular.
You should be aware that some people react to one of the common inactive ingredients in the liquid form. Watch for this, and switch to one of the other two options if you respond.
All three options are applied topically to the area where you want to grow hair. Its usually recommended that you use them twice a day, no more and no less, for the best results.
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Does Hair Loss Treatment Work
Some people find success with hair loss treatments, like OTC medications, prescription medications, and home remedies. However, they dont work for everyone.
For example, Rogaine works best for people with hereditary baldness at the back of the head, just under the crown.
Hair transplants are usually more successful than OTC products. However, if you have widespread thinning or baldness, or if your hair loss is due to chemo or medications, they wont be as effective.
The Initial Causes Can I Use Minoxidil For Frontal Hair Loss
The main cause of hair loss is stress. While most of us shed about 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, we also continue to grow new ones at the same rate. This shedding is normal, and its perfectly natural to replace lost hair with new ones. However, if youre losing hair that is excessively slow or isnt growing back, youre experiencing hair fall. There are many possible causes for this condition, but theres no one single solution.
Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. Symptoms include bald spots and patches of hair loss. Infection may be caused by fungus, and scaly, red patches may develop. In severe cases, sores may develop on the scalp and oozing pus may be present. Treatment with a prescription may be necessary, but the long-term results of taking these medications are not always permanent.
In some cases, temporary hair loss may be the result of a hormonal imbalance. While some women experience hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations, others may experience permanent loss of hair. These changes can be caused by hormones in the body, such as those produced by the thyroid or by the adrenal glands. In severe cases, the loss of hair is caused by medical conditions. Inflammatory diseases can cause an excess of androgen, a male hormone. High levels of vitamin A in the blood and in the body can also result in hair thinning.
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How To Use Minoxidil For Hair
Unless you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, minoxidil should be safe for you to use. Of course, the OG minoxidil product is Rogaine, and there are versions oriented toward women formulated with 2 percent and 5 percent of the ingredient. Recently, a chicer, more millennial version hit the market called Hers, which offers hair regrowth drops with 2 percent minoxidil. While the products are very similar, Hers is a tiny bit cheaper and has an overall more pleasant look. Rogaine is more widely available at pharmacies and on Amazon, while Hers must be ordered directly from the brand online.
Directions will vary depending on the product most serums are topically applied. For a product like Hers, follow these steps:
- Apply about 1 ml of product to the scalp on damp or dry hair
- Do not wash out for at least four hours
- Repeat twice a day
How Is Frontal Hairline Loss Treated
Hair loss treatment depends on what your doctor uncovers as to the underlying cause. Your doctor might prescribe topical medications and/or oral medications to manage inflammation or to regulate your immune system.
Regardless of the underlying cause, though, experts agree that early diagnosis and swift medical treatments can go a long way in slowing or even reversing several types of hair loss.
In addition to medically treating the underlying causes of hair loss, other cosmetic treatments like laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections and hair transplantation surgery are available.
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Homeopathic Remedies For Hair Loss
1. Fluoric acid : This medicine treats well when a person is suffering from vertex baldness, weak hair, and Idiopathic hair loss.
2. Phosphoric acid : Phosphoric acid cures the progressive thinning of hair, which has caused because of lot of stress and grief. It also stops early greying of hair.
3. Phosphorus : When you see that handful of hair comes into your hands while combing, or you are facing hair loss due to some hemorrhagic disorder, Phosphorus can help you out better. It will also cure the problem of dry and itchy scalp.
4. Graphites : This homeopathic remedy treats the troubles of hair fall, caused by menopause and constipation. Graphites cure patchy baldness and hair fall on sides.
5. Mezereum : Mezereum is also a great choice when you are losing handful of strands, and you are afflicted with itchy and dry scalp, and dandruff.
6. : Sepia treats the hair loss, which is caused by menopause or after giving birth to a child.
7. Silica : Frontal hair loss, early greying and baldness at a young age are the main symptoms that are purged with Silica.
The various other medicines to treat hair loss are Natrum mur, Psorinum, Selenium, Medorrhinum, Lachesis, Merc sol, Lycopodium, Kali carb, and Borax.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
In men, hair loss can begin any time after puberty and progress over the course of years or decades. It starts above the temples and continues around the perimeter and the top of the head, often leaving a ring of hair along the bottom of the scalp. Many men with male pattern hair loss eventually become bald.
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How Minoxidil Works For Women
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a synthetic drug originally developed as an oral medicine for hypertension. Physicians soon discovered that applying a minoxidil solution directly to the scalp could stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil topical hair loss solution may actually produce better hair growth results in women than in men. Minoxidil the most common minoxidil brand in the U.S. is Rogaine recommend women use 2% concentration of minoxidil solution twice daily or 5% minoxidil foam for women once daily.
Is minoxidil not an effective treatment for receding hairlines?
Minoxidil for women is most effective in users with diffuse androgenetic alopecia. It is not recommended for women whose hair loss occurs suddenly or who experience patchy or uneven hair loss. There is a belief that minoxidil will not work on the front of the scalp on receding hairlines. What is true is that Rogaine minoxidil has primarily been tested only on the crown of the head in men, and so Rogaine does not recommend it for use on the front of the scalp. However, note that minoxidil cannot reverse or move a receding hairline, nor can it regrow hair on a completely bald scalp.
Does minoxidil work?
Viviscal hair growth program vs. minoxidil topical solutions
Linked To Androgen Excess In Men
Androgens are considered necessary for male pattern hair loss to develop. The condition typically begins after the start of puberty, which is marked by a striking increase in androgen levels. Dihydroxytestosterone, a potent metabolite of testosterone synthesized in a reaction catalyzed by 5-alpha reductase in the peripheral target organs, hair follicle, and sebaceous glands, plays a role in normal hair growth and male pattern hair loss development in androgen-sensitive areas such as the vertex and frontal scalp, beard, axilla, pubis, and extremities. Dihydroxytestosterone assists normal hair growth in these areas, but elevated cellular levels of androgen receptors and 5-alpha reductase and increased production of dihydroxytestosterone have been documented in cases of male pattern hair loss. No cases of male pattern hair loss have been documented in men with 5-alpha reductase deficiencies.
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The Thyroid Disease Connection
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that rests in the front base of the neck. It secretes thyroid hormones that are used by every cell in the body. Thereâs a connection between hair loss in women and thyroid disease. Imbalances in thyroid hormone levels are a common reason for hair loss in women. Too much thyroid hormone and too little thyroid hormone may both trigger hair loss. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid heart rate, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, and anxiety. In addition to hair loss, hypothyroidism may be associated with weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, slow heart rate, and constipation. Luckily, thyroid hormone imbalances are easily detectable with blood tests. Treatment helps alleviate symptoms, including hair loss.
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Besides medications, the treatment for hair loss can also include a hair transplant. In this procedure, small pieces of the scalp containing hair follicles are transferred to the bald areas. The surgery can be risky because it involves the usual risks of surgery, including shock and pain. Furthermore, it is expensive and is often not covered by insurance. But if you dont want to live with a bald area thats affecting your confidence and your appearance, hair transplant surgery may be the right option.
If the baldness is caused by a fungal infection, you can consider undergoing a hair transplant. In this procedure, tiny pieces of scalp are removed and moved to the bald spots. Despite the risks, this procedure is highly effective and is often covered by health insurance plans. A hair transplant can cost thousands of dollars, and you will most likely need to pay a large part of it out of pocket. The only downside to hair transplant surgery is the high cost.
Although alopecia is an embarrassing problem for many people, it can also be caused by trauma. People who undergo painful procedures on their hair may be at risk for traumatizing alopecia. This condition often results in thinning or falling hair. In some cases, the scalp becomes red and the scalp can even become inflamed. Antibiotics and antimalarial drugs may also be prescribed to help treat this disorder.
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Causes Of Hair Loss In Men
Hair loss in men could be caused by:
- Genetics and family history: If your relatives have hair loss, youre more likely to develop it. Male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition where people gradually lose hair. This could show up as a slowing receding hair line or thinning patches on the crown of the head.
- Medication conditions: Some medical conditions like hormonal problems or autoimmune diseases cause hair loss. For example, thyroid problems, scalp infections, or trichotillomania could lead to thinning hair or bald patches. An autoimmune condition called alopecia areata develops when the immune system attacks hair follicles resulting in bald patches.
- Medications and medical treatments: Hair loss is a potential side effect of several medications for conditions like cancer, depression, gout, heart diseases, and arthritis.
- Stress: Chronic stress or stressful events could lead to temporary hair thinning.
Alternatives To Minoxidil For Frontal Hair Loss
Aside from minoxidil, there are other topical products shown to promote hair growth. Some of these are pharmaceutical, and others are natural . The mechanism varies between them. Some stimulate hair growth like minoxidil, and others block DHT topically.
Some formulations combine the two mechanisms of action into one bottle for superior results. One such product is Biogaine, a non-pharmaceutical topical that also inhibits DHT at the level of the hair follicle.
Another option is combining topical minoxidil with topical finasteride. Studies find that this combination is effective and superior to simple minoxidil, as the two drugs work synergistically for more regrowth . Because the finasteride is topical, systemic absorption is minimal. This means the user is very unlikely to experience any systemic side effects, sexual or otherwise.
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Will You Join Thousands Of Happy Customers
4.5 average rating
I tried several different options before but Hims combined approach of all four methods by far created the best results.
– Brian
Hims has been the greatest confidence boost, no more bald jokes! I look and feel so much younger!
– Mike
When I show my barber my progress, he is always in disbelief. I have to recommend Hims to any guy whos experiencing thinning.
– KJ
Thinning Hair In Women: Why It Happens And What Helps
- By Kelly Bilodeau, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch
Many people think of hair loss as a male problem, but it also affects at least a third of women. But unlike men, women typically experience thinning hair without going bald, and there can be a number of different underlying causes for the problem.
Some are associated with inflammation in the body. Some are female-pattern hair loss, says Dr. Deborah Scott, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Hair Loss Clinic at Brigham and Womens Hospital. But the good news is that in many cases this hair loss can be stabilized with treatment, and it may be reversible. When its not, there are a number of new cosmetic approaches that can help.
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Eating A Healthy Diet
Eating a diet thats high in antioxidants may help your hair look healthier and full.
Antioxidants are ingredients that fight oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair aging. Blueberries, spinach, kidney beans, and walnuts are all rich in natural antioxidants.
The following vitamins and minerals are an essential part of healthy hair growth:
Incorporating lots of leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds may improve the way your hair looks and feels.
Brands Availability And Cost
Minoxidils patent has long expired. This means there are numerous of store brands available. Rogaine, however, remains the most popular brand. Consumers can purchase it from various retailers, both brick-and-mortal as well as online.
Prices will vary depending on brand, bottle size, location, solution type , and retailer.
To save money you can choose a generic version like Kirkland. When purchasing a generic brand, however, make sure to double-check the active ingredients.
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What Is Frontal Fibrosing
Unfortunately, African American women know about this all too well. The cultural trademarks of inappropriately applied braids, trendy weaves, relaxers, chemical treatments or wigs come at a price. Truth be told, frontal fibrosing cut across racial lines, and when it does, some women will lose confidence, isolate themselves, lose their self-esteem, or suffer from emotional issues. In some extreme cases, anxiety and depression might result.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia refers to a receding hairline in women and is a form of scarring alopecia. Its a condition where a womans hairline presents a band-like pattern of hair loss on the sides and front of the scalp.
It doesnt just happen due to hairstyling choices. According to medical studies, it is believed that frontal fibrosing alopecia can be heredity when the immune system attacks the hair follicles and causes inflammation. The stem cells within the follicles get damaged, and when that happens, hair is unable to regrow. The skin in the affected area looks slightly scarred and pale.
Its not uncommon to confused frontal fibrosing alopecia with other forms of hair loss such as female pattern hair loss or traction alopecia. While frontal fibrosing alopecia is a form of scarring alopecia, it is different than than other forms of scarring alopecia such as folliculitis. For this reason, it is always recommended you get a professional diagnosis for any type of alopecia as you can easily misdiagnosis yourself.