Phalacrophobia is the fear of going bald, originating from the Greek word phalakros, meaning “bald-headed” and phobos, meaning “fear”. While it may sound ridiculous to some people, as many as 51% of men and 55% of women from the ages of 25 to 34 have confirmed fearing hair loss according to a survey conducted by YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group.
Hair Loss and Balding
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, not to be confused with Alopecia Areata, which is an autoimmune disease. Recent statistics that were published in February of this year found that around 85% of men and 33% of women globally experience some form of alopecia.
Hair Loss or Shedding?
While the previously mentioned statistics may sound alarming, you might find it reassuring to know that some hair fall is actually normal. The American Academy of Dermatology Association, shedding anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs daily, is completely normal.
What Causes Hair Loss?
While hair loss and balding is normal, especially as we age, there are certain factors that accelerate the process.
Genetics
More commonly referred to as “male pattern baldness” or “female pattern baldness” with the medical name Androgenetic alopecia. This type of alopecia is the most common, with Harvard Health Publishing saying that up to 40% of both men and women will experience a more serious form of the condition.
Hormonal Changes
Aside from genetics, another factor that heavily contributes to hair loss are hormones. Hormonal imbalances can cause gradual hair loss in both men and women. The hormones primarily associated with hair loss are dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrogen, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.
Medical Conditions
A factor that in some cases is associated with hormonal changes, there are certain medical conditions that cause hair to thin and fall out. Conditions such as lupus, syphilis, and thyroid disorders list hair loss as a symptom. Treatments such as chemotherapy also contribute to hair loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies
An article in the National Library of Medicine describes nutritional deficiency as severely reduced levels of one or more nutrients that prevent the body from performing its functions normally. Several factors can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, such as disease, poverty, or lack of resources to access food that meets nutritional requirements.
Aging
As mentioned in a previous section, hair loss will affect everybody at some point in their lives. This fact holds more true as we age. A study published in the National Library of Medicine estimates that 53% of men and 37% of women beyond the age of 65 may suffer from hair loss. However, it’s again important to note that many factors influence the severity of hair loss.
Ketoconazole: A Miracle Cure?
What is Ketoconazole?
Ketoconazole is a medication that is most often used to treat fungal infections. It works by killing the fungus, and preventing it from growing back.
How does Ketoconazole treat hair loss?
Researchers have investigated ketoconazole’s hair growth stimulation properties in multiple studies, although it’s not a formally recognized hair loss treatment. A study published by Touro College & University System, highlights that while the mechanism by which ketoconazole stimulates hair growth is unknown, researchers suggest it may be due to the medication acting as a DHT antagonist.
Another systematic review published earlier in 2019 also found that regular use of topical ketoconazole offers an alternative treatment when minoxidil and finasteride fail.
Other Possible Solutions to Hair Loss
Ketoconazole has yet to become FDA-approved for hair loss, despite research supporting its effectiveness in hair growth. Luckily, there are other means to tackle the problem for anyone apprehensive about ketoconazole.
Other Medications
While some types of oral drugs require prescriptions, over-the-counter pills are usually the first line of treatment for androgenic alopecia.
Minoxidil
We’ve discussed the usage of minoxidil as a treatment for hair loss in the past. Minoxidil (sometimes referred to as the brand name Rogaine) is a topical solution for hair loss. Although we don’t fully understand the mechanism of action, we believe minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicles, thus stimulating them and promoting hair growth.
Finasteride
Finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is a prescription medication specifically for men. Although this medication is more often used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, it proved effective in increasing the amount of scalp hairs in men by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT.
Unfortunately, because of the method in which this medication works and its negative side effects, which include possible birth defects in pregnant women, it is not a viable option for women.
Hair Transplant
Hair transplant surgery is an excellent way to control permanent hair loss that often only affects the top of the head. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon uses micrografts and minigrafts to take hairs from a hair-bearing area of the head and transplant it to a bald spot. Although there is no need for hospitalization, this operation is painful and can result in infection, bruising, swelling, and bleeding. Sometimes more than one surgery is required to get the desired result. It’s crucial to remember that surgery may not stop the progression of hereditary hair loss.
Laser Therapy
A noninvasive, painless procedure for treating hair loss, laser treatment promotes hair growth by irradiating photons into the tissues of the scalp. Doctors consider laser treatment less invasive, safer, and less painful than hair transplant surgery. But the inconsistent results indicate that it might not be effective for everyone. Because of its disadvantages, which include being time consuming, expensive, having uneven outcomes, and possible drug interactions, it might not be practical for everyone. Seeking advice from a physician is essential before deciding to undergo this treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy, sometimes referred to as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical procedure used to treat hair loss that can promote growth, healing, and regeneration. Blood is to be extracted, processed, and then injected into the affected area. According to research, PRP injections can help with hair loss by promoting thicker, more robust hair and shielding hair follicles from premature shedding.
For orthopedic purposes, PRP therapy for hair loss typically costs between $500 to $2,500 for each session. The cost can be impacted by variables like location, equipment quality, and nutritive components. This renders it an unfeasible choice for the vast majority of individuals.
In Summary
Hair loss can affect an individual not only physically but also mentally, as the fear of losing one’s hair is prevalent globally. Unfortunately, many of us will experience a form of hair loss at some point in our lives, and in certain cases, hair loss may indicate an underlying illness. Depending on multiple factors, hair loss may be temporary or permanent, but treatment can address these thanks to modern medicine.
Disclaimer
Power Your Curls Pty Ltd. and all of its content are for informational purposes only. All information is believed to be accurate at the time of posting and should NOT be taken as professional medical advice. Please seek a medical professional in the event of pain or injury.
