How to treat hair loss?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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There are many types of hair loss, such as sudden localized patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia which is related to genetic factors and dependent on the action of androgens, also known as seborrheic alopecia, as well as postpartum hair loss due to insufficient qi and blood after childbirth, and telogen effluvium caused by rapid weight loss or dieting. The specific treatment of hair loss should be based on the corresponding cause. The cause of alopecia areata is not completely clear, and it is related to factors such as emotions, stress, endocrine disruption, and autoimmunity. Treatment generally includes oral intake of compound glycyrrhizin tablets and topical application of minoxidil. If the skin lesions are widespread or severe, the combination of corticosteroid treatment may be considered, and treatment generally lasts several months or even longer. Androgenetic alopecia often occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 and is related to familial genetics. The treatment of this condition lacks very effective remedies. Treatment options include topical minoxidil, and oral intake of finasteride. Traditional Chinese medicine has relatively good effects in treating androgenetic alopecia, including the oral intake of Chinese herbal medicine and local acupuncture treatment. Attention should be paid to avoiding staying up late and maintaining a light diet. When the hair follicles have already closed, local hair transplantation can be carried out, transferring hair from the occipital region of the scalp to the top. If the area of androgenetic alopecia is too large without sufficient follicles for transplantation, then the use of a wig should be considered. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 30sec home-news-image

Is supplementing with zinc useful for seborrheic hair loss?

Patients with seborrheic alopecia can appropriately supplement with zinc-rich preparations and foods, which have certain auxiliary effects on the hair. Seborrheic alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a type of hair loss characterized by genetic factors and dependent on androgen action. It can occur in both men and women, though it is more common in men. Treatment mainly targets the hair follicles, and there is no particularly effective cure. Treatments can include topical application of 2% or 5% minoxidil solution, oral administration of finasteride, and for women, oral spironolactone can be used. If necessary, treatment can be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine and scalp acupuncture, including plum blossom needle therapy. For cases of seborrheic alopecia where the hair follicles have significantly atrophied, scalp transplantation and hair transplantation may also be options. Patients with seborrheic alopecia should also pay attention to their diet by consuming light, nutritious foods and avoiding spicy and irritating substances. It is beneficial to consume foods containing high-quality complex proteins and various vitamins, including vitamins, trace elements, zinc, copper, calcium, etc., all of which assist in hair growth.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

How to effectively treat seborrheic hair loss?

Medically, seborrheic hair loss is also called androgenic alopecia, which is primarily caused by the hyperactivity of sebaceous glands leading to the gradual shrinkage of hair follicles, or rather, the weakening of hair roots, causing hair loss. Generally, it is somewhat related to heredity, with a higher clinical incidence in males than in females. Once this condition appears, it must be treated with medications. Oral treatments can include Vitamin B6 tablets, lipid-reducing hair regrowth tablets, and finasteride tablets. Minoxidil solution can also be used topically. This disease can gradually improve with treatment, but it is mostly not easy to fully recover, and some people may find that the condition worsens with age. During treatment, it is also essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, engage in more physical exercise, and enhance the immune system, all of which can aid in treatment.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 44sec home-news-image

Difference between seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic hair loss

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion, such as the face, chest, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is not the same as seborrheic hair loss, although some patients with seborrheic dermatitis may also experience hair loss. Generally, seborrheic dermatitis starts on the face and then spreads downwards to other areas, accompanied by varying degrees of itching, and is commonly seen in adults and newborns. Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors such as psychological stress, dietary habits, deficiencies in B vitamins, alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. As it often starts or is primarily localized on the scalp, symptoms can worsen and spread to other areas. The disease tends to occur in areas that are oily, hairy, and sweaty. As the sebaceous glands open into the hair follicles, the initial skin lesions of seborrheic dermatitis are usually small, red papules around the hair follicles. As the condition progresses, these papules can develop into red patches. Some patients may also have oily scales or crusts, as well as varying degrees of hair loss.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long will postpartum hair loss last?

Postpartum hair loss is a common physiological phenomenon among women after giving birth, but it is unpredictable how long the hair loss will last. For most women, postpartum hair loss can persist for six months to a year, after which hair growth gradually returns to normal. It is important to prevent hair loss after childbirth. For example, it is advisable not to wash hair too frequently; washing every three days is generally sufficient. Additionally, it is important to enhance nutrition and maintain a balanced diet, as the most important source for hair is protein. Therefore, consuming more protein-rich foods is recommended.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Hair loss is divided into several types.

There are many types of hair loss, mainly including androgenic alopecia, neurogenic alopecia, endocrine alopecia, nutritional alopecia, and physical alopecia. Androgenic alopecia is clinically known as seborrheic alopecia, while neurogenic alopecia is also called alopecia areata. Therefore, if you notice a significant amount of hair loss, it is essential to promptly identify the cause. In addition to the types of hair loss mentioned above, there may also be chemical-induced hair loss, infectious hair loss, symptomatic hair loss, congenital hair loss, seasonal hair loss, and other types.