The most common ‘androgenic alopecia’… Caused by heredity and the action of male hormones
Even with hair transplant surgery, most require drug treatment
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Although hair loss is not a life-threatening disease, it is one of the diseases that cause a lot of stress for patients because it affects their appearance.
Hair loss refers to a state in which there is no hair in the area where hair should normally exist, and generally refers to the loss of hair (thick and dark hair) of the scalp.
With the recent improvement in living standards, many people have been interested in hair loss treatment since they were young. There are many folk remedies and myths about hair loss. However, as hair loss is clinically classified in various ways, it is necessary to receive treatment after a definite diagnosis from a specialist.
Types and causes of hair loss
There are two types of hair loss: those with scar formation (scarring) and those without formation (non-scarring). In scarring alopecia, the hair follicles are destroyed and the hair is not regenerated, whereas in non-scarring alopecia, the hair follicles are maintained, so the hair is regenerated after the symptomatic area disappears.
Scar alopecia is caused by the autoimmune disease ‘lupus’, solitary folliculitis, lichen planus pilaris, burns and trauma.
Non-scarring hair loss includes hair loss caused by the action of the male hormone ‘androgen’, alopecia areata, ringworm of the head due to fungal infection, telogen hair loss, hair growth wall, and hair loss due to disorders in hair growth.
androgenetic alopecia
‘Androgenetic alopecia’ accounts for about 90% of all hair loss types and is the most common type. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetic predisposition and the action of male hormone ‘androgen’.
Androgens are hormones involved in hair growth, and there are several types. Among them, when testosterone reaches the hair follicle, it is converted to dihydrotestosterone (hereafter DHT) by 5-alpha reductase. This converted DHT causes the hair follicles to atrophy and the hair to become thinner.
Ryu Young-wook, a professor of dermatology at Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, explained, “Actually, it is known that about 81.5% of androgen androgenetic alopecia patients have severe or more severe hair loss symptoms.”
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Hair loss treatment drugs and treatment methods
As a treatment for androgenic hair loss in men, the method of taking an oral drug that blocks the function of 5-alpha reductase that makes DHT has a high theoretical basis.
There are two types of hair loss treatment ingredients: finasteride and dutasteride.
Finasteride ingredients include Propecia, the original drug, Finamoline, Finastel, Hairpina, Minopecia, Allopeside, Lenacidin, Medicepia, and Allogen.
Dutasteride ingredients include, in addition to the original Avodart soft capsule, Dutaban soft capsule, Dutaron soft capsule, and Dutesmol soft capsule.
Professor Ryu said, “The efficacy of the two drugs is almost the same. However, the finasteride system is evaluated to be slightly better in terms of safety and the dutasteride system in terms of symptom improvement.”
On the other hand, there is minoxidil as an ingredient for application. In addition to the original Rogaine, there are Minoxidil, Medinoxil Plus Solution, Medinoxil Solution, and Moxidil. It is the most used because of its relatively good effect and high safety, and it is classified as an over-the-counter drug and can be purchased at pharmacies.
Professor Ryu explained, “In the case of androgenetic alopecia, the most approved treatment for men is oral medication and minoxidil product.”
Hair transplant and other treatments
If you are stressed by hair loss, hair transplant surgery may be considered. However, surgery is not the end of all hair loss treatments. Although hair transplant surgery can have a quick effect, even if it is operated, drug treatment is necessary in most cases to suppress the progression.
Recently, as a low-dose light therapy (LLLT), LED helmets and combs have been released, but related studies suggest it at the level of auxiliary use. That is, it is not ineffective, but it is better to use it without high expectations because it has not been proven that the therapeutic effect is large.
In addition, ‘platelet-rich plasma therapy’ is also gaining popularity recently, but the theoretical basis is weak, and related studies take a position that neither recommends nor opposes.
Incorrect hair information
Hair loss patients can easily come across myths about eating habits that are effective for hair loss in their daily life. According to the data of the Korean Hair Society, such information is often incorrect.
– Is black bean good for baldness?
Soybeans are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help prevent hair loss. However, it is not advisable to rely entirely on soybeans because it is not possible to return to the previous state by treating the hair loss that has already occurred.
-Is it effective for hair loss by stimulating the scalp with a comb?
There is no clear scientific evidence to date that ‘If you hit your hair with a comb, you can prevent hair loss by improving blood circulation’. Good blood circulation can help prevent hair loss. However, frequent tapping can cause the scalp to become thicker and harder to protect the hair follicles from the impact. Also, pounding can cause irritation to the scalp.
-If you wear a wig or hat, will your hair fall out?
It is a common misconception that wearing a hat causes hair loss due to poor blood circulation. It doesn’t lead to hair loss unless the hat tightens the head and doesn’t affect the blood supply. Since hair loss occurs at the root of the scalp, it is not a problem for a hat to cover the hair, but rather, the hat has the advantage of protecting the hair from UV rays.
However, it is better to wear it loosely, and in the summer when you sweat a lot, a cap that is well-ventilated is good. If there is no ventilation, waste products accumulate on the scalp, so it is necessary to pay attention to maintaining the cleanliness of the scalp.
Ryu Young-wook, Professor of Dermatology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital
Help Ryu Young-wook, Professor of Dermatology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital