Contact:Missy Gough, (847) 240-1734 [email protected]
Karen Klickmann, (847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale, (847) 240-1730[email protected]EMBARGOED UNTIL OCTOBER 18, 2000
A HAIR SCARE: CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS CAN BE DIAGNOSED AND TREATED BY A DERMATOLOGIST
NEW YORK (October 18, 2000) -- Loss of hair often equals loss of self-esteem for men, women and children. However, many common hair disorders can be treated successfully over a period of time. A visit to the dermatologist is the first step for an accurate diagnosis and the development of a treatment plan for excessive hair loss.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2000, dermatologist Walter Unger, M.D., Co-Director of Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical School, New York, New York, discussed common hair disorders and how they are treated.
"A majority of Americans will experience some degree of hair loss during their lifetime," said Dr. Unger. "Each year, more than 900 million dollars are spent in efforts to re-grow hair. However, there is no quick fix. Dermatologists are trained to provide a correct diagnosis and treatment plan to those experiencing hair loss."
In both men and women, scalp hair grows from the hair follicle at an average rate of one-half inch per month. Each hair grows for four to seven years, enters a "resting phase," and then falls out. A new hair begins growing in place, three weeks to three months later. At any one time, 85 percent of hair is growing and 15 percent is "resting."
Baldness occurs when there is a progressive miniaturization of the follicle, resulting in shorter and finer hair with each cycle of hair growth, loss and regrowth. The end result is a miniature follicle with no hair. "The cause of hair growth failure is not entirely understood, but it is associated with a genetic predisposition and the presence of certain hormones," said Dr. Unger. "However, even after hair loss, the hair follicle remains alive, suggesting the potential for new growth."
Hair Loss in Men
The most common hair disorders in adult males are Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and alopecia areata. MPB usually begins at the hairline, which gradually recedes to form an "M" shape. As this occurs the hair at the crown also begins to thin, and eventually the top points of the hairline "M" meet the thinned crown, leaving only a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head. MPB can be treated medically with the use of topical minoxidil or oral finasteride. Minoxidil has been shown to help hair to grow in 10 to 20 percent of individuals, but must be continued indefinitely, as hair loss recurs when treatment is discontinued. Finasteride has been shown to slow hair loss on the crown in 88 percent of patients and, for 66 percent of individuals, results in increased hair on the crown.
Alopecia areata presents as loss of hair in circular patches resulting in completely smooth areas about the size of a quarter coin or larger. The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. However, for many patients, it usually resolves itself spontaneously within 18 months. Treatment to accelerate regrowth of hair can include topical or injectable cortisone medications.
Hair Loss in Women
The most common hair disorders in adult females are a female form of MPB, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.
Female MPB differs from baldness in men. Although, females will also have thinning of the hair and shorter growth cycles, the front hairline remains about the same. In a minority of women, thinning may involve not only the top of the head, but the sides and the back as well. MPB in women seems to be occurring at progressively earlier ages and with increasing severity. In order to slow or reverse the hair loss, the treatment of MPB in women usually includes topical or oral estrogen, or other female-specific hormones.
Telogen effluvium is the result of an increased percentage of scalp hairs going into the resting phase that is part of the normal growth-loss cycle of scalp hair. This condition causes a marked thinning of scalp hair, without the bald patches or permanent hair loss. In most women, common causes of telogen effluvium include taking oral contraceptives over many years, post-childbirth, chronic emotional or physical stress, and crash dieting. Telogen effluvium resolves slowly beginning six to 12 weeks after the cause ends. There is no medical treatment available.
Alopecia areata presents itself the same in women as in men, and the treatment options are the same.
Hair Loss in Children
Children may experience alopecia areata and hair loss due to certain infections, such as a fungal infection of the scalp, which is easily treated with antifungal medicines. In addition, if children wear their hair in pigtails or cornrows, the pull on the hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, hair will grow back normally.
Hair Transplantation
In both men and women, a permanent treatment and reversal choice for MPB is hair transplantation. In this procedure, hair is moved from areas where it is expected to grow for the patient's lifetime and is transplanted into the problem areas. Grafts of hair, usually containing one to six hairs, are inserted into small holes or slits between existing hairs.
"Improvements in technique have resulted in hair transplantion becoming a realistic treatment for a majority of men and many more women than in the past," said Dr. Unger. "Moreover, it is not necessary for a man or woman to be totally bald before beginning treatment. Thus, treatment can be less noticeable and spread over a longer period of time making it more convenient and affordable."
"Cloning" or "cell therapy" is currently being investigated for use in hair transplantation. "Currently, how much can be accomplished with transplanting has been dependent on how much 'permanent' hair is available to be moved from one place to another," said Dr. Unger. "With the advent of new technology -- very probably within 10 years -- it is very likely that all men and women will be able to have as much hair density as they want."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the field of dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care. For more information on cosmetic skin surgery and referrals to doctors in specific geographic areas, please contact the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or visit our Web site at www.asds-net.org.
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