Medicines to Treat Alopecia

Definition

Commonly known as baldness, alopecia indicates a condition characterized by progressive hair loss, both in quantitative terms (number of hairs) and qualitative (reduction in thickness and elasticity of the hair). The most common form is androgenetic alopecia, a typically male hereditary condition, strongly influenced by hormonal variation; among other forms, alopecia areata and dystyroid alopecia are also mentioned.

Causes

Alopecia is heavily influenced by the genetic component, but psycho-physical stress and traumatic events also influence the appearance of the condition; moreover, it has been observed that the decline 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, quantitative and qualitative hair loss is the only symptom that characterizes alopecia, although some affected subjects often complain of discomfort and / or itching in the scalp. Alopecia can also affect the beard, eyebrows or hair covering the limbs. Hair loss can also be total: androgenetic alopecia is irreversible, while telogenic alopecia (in response to strong stress) is generally reversible.

Natural Cures

The information on Alopecia - Medicines 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 - Medicines for the Treatment of Alopecia.

Medicines

Occurring in 80% of men, alopecia is a particularly felt aesthetic problem, to the point of leading to psychological repercussions, even important ones; in this regard - although it is an almost physiological condition of the male world - drugs to stop and reverse hair thinning are increasingly requested. In fact, alopecia is often experienced as a profound embarrassment, so much so that it has more or less negative repercussions in the psychology of the person.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the treatment against alopecia, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

For the treatment of androgenetic alopecia male, essentially two drugs are 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 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (type 2), involved in miniaturization of the hair (which becomes thin and brittle). The recommended dose is 1 mg orally, to be taken once a day. It should be emphasized that the therapeutic efficacy of the active principle is not immediate: the effect is generally observed after 3-6 months from 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: similar to finasteride, it acts as an inhibitor of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, with the difference that its administration takes place for topical life limiting its systemic effects; the efficacy of this innovative drug seems to be limited to the ability to stop (but do 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 use. Observe the following method of administration: 1 ml twice a day, on dry scalp and hair. Do not exceed 2 ml per day.

In case of advanced alopecia, pharmacological treatment is not recommended because it is ineffective in most cases; in this case, alternative thickening practices or hair auto-transplantation (surgical redistribution of hair bulbs) are recommended.

Among the second-line drugs used in therapy for the treatment of alopecia, the following are mentioned:

Triamcinolone (eg Kenakort): belonging to the class of glucocorticoids; it is recommended to apply 25-30 mg of active subcutaneously, twice a week (concentration of 10 mg / ml). The maximum dose of the drug should not exceed 75 mg per week. Indicated for the treatment of alopecia areata.
Sulfasalazine (eg Salazopyrin): second choice anti-inflammatory-immunomodulatory drug to treat baldness. The recommended dose ranges from 500 mg to 3 grams of the 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 astringent action, eudermic drugs and essential oils stimulating the microcirculation can attenuate - albeit temporarily - the ineluctable 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 vigorously on the scalp, after having been applied directly.

The treatment of female androgenetic alopecia, on the other hand, involves the use of drugs to be applied directly to the scalp, based on progestin, estrogen (estrone sulfate) or minoxidil. Systemic therapy (taking the drug by mouth) is instead indicated in case of endocrine problems, such as hyperandrogenism, often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome; in this case, drugs such as the antiandrogen spironolactone, cyproterone or the contraceptive pill will be used.