Valencia D. Thomas, MD

The Doctor Is In

Hair loss, growth not just genetic

By Valencia D. Thomas, M.D.

Q. What should women know about the effects of medication on our hair?
A. In general, a healthy body makes healthy hair. Prescription medications that are necessary to maintain health (like cholesterol, thyroid, or diabetes medications) may prevent hair loss by keeping the body in a state of good overall health. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter topical solution that has been proven to increase the growth of hair. Over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements may fortify or increase the growth of hair, but these claims are not tested in the way drugs are tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Occasionally, however, medications may contribute to different types of hair loss. One of the most common forms of hair loss caused by medications is a condition called telogen effluvium. This temporary condition causes the loss of full strands of hair on the scalp or body within three to six months of a major health stressor. Medications, pregnancy, illness, the loss of a loved one, or surgery are all possible triggers for this condition. This type of hair loss lasts as long as whatever caused it, and is it improved by addressing the underlying condition.

A different type of hair loss called anagen effluvium may occur within two weeks of beginning chemotherapy. This condition is characterized by the loss of full strands of hair from the scalp and/or body. The hair usually grows back after the medication therapy is complete. Medications also may cause increased hair breakage, which is usually noticed two to three months after beginning a medication. If you suspect that a medication may be contributing to hair breakage or hair loss, consult your physician. It is important to discuss your condition with your physician prior to stopping any prescription medication. If the medication in question is a nutritional supplement or an over-the-counter medication that is optional, you may be able to obtain more information about the drug from your pharmacist.

Q. What advice would you give women using medicated shampoos at the hair salon?
A. Scalp flaking and scalp itching are some of the most common reasons for the use of medicated over-the-counter shampoos. Multiple conditions may result in scalp flaking, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (skin inflammation and scaling commonly located on the scalp, around the ears, in the ear canals, next to the nose, or in the eyebrows), or psoriasis (a chronic skin condition characterized by red plaques and scale). These medicated shampoos act to decrease inflammation, reduce scale, or both. Salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole and tar are only some of the active ingredients in medicated shampoos. When using medicated shampoos, it is important to know what is being used, why it is being used, and when to expect improvement. If the scalp symptoms continue after improvement should have been noted, you may want to consider changing shampoos or being evaluated by a health care professional. Keep in mind that a potential side effect of the use of medicated shampoos on chemically processed hair (relaxed, permed, or color-treated hair) is increased hair dryness and breakage. If this occurs, consider using a moisturizing conditioner after using a medicated shampoo or washing the hair with a moisturizing shampoo after using the medicated shampoo.

Dr. Valencia Thomas was recently appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine. She is also an Assistant Professor in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology in the Section of Internal Medicine.

Copyright 2010 © My Salon Scoop, LLC

Comments (4)

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Hair loss
written by gail, January 19, 2010

Why does hair density for blacks is seen around hair line thinning severe.What other medications can be used vs.rogaine. Does this not affect your blood pressure since this is the intended usage.

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written by Stacey, January 21, 2010

What can I do to stop balding. I have discoid lupus with scaring alopecia. My hair is bald in the top and is thinning severly around the front now. Please help what can i do????

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Response to Stacey
written by salonscoopgirl, February 10, 2010

Do have relaxed or natural hair try
using Qhemet Biologics Alma/Burdock, some excellent stuff: according
to your hair type. No medicated shampoos try Honey Butter Soap for shampooing and washing your body: Chagrin Valley.com.

They also make a shampoo bar but the soap is better because of the fat. Also go to treasuredlocks.com and
get you some H2G Growth Oil it has
Emu Oil it which is good for the
scalp.

My body recently through a trauma from a car accident and my hair came out horribly from medicine & stress. But is coming back slowly but surely.
Also check with your physician
and get the HairInfinity vitamins
this has been my regime and my hair
is started to come back and my
scalp feels better.

You will be okay! Just pray and be well! Remember to drink lots of water!

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Response from Dr. Thomas
written by admin, February 28, 2010

Discoid Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation in the skin that can result in scarring and hair loss. The type of hair loss seen with this condition is scarring meaning that there is a permanent destruction of hair follicles. Because the follicles are destroyed, the hair cannot regrow in the areas of scarring. Because this condition may result in irreversible hair loss, early intervention with prescription medication is required to help keep the remaining hair from being affected. To keep your hair, please seek the care of a dermatologist. If you meet difficulty in scheduling the appointment, please ask to speak with one of the nurses (the triage nurse) and communicate that you have discoid lupus and you have active disease that is progressing in the scalp.

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