Innovations in Hair Transplant and Other Alternatives to Hair Loss

A full head of hair is associated with youthfulness, manhood and sex appeal, so when hair loss occurs it can come as something of a blow to the psyche. Depending on the type of hair loss, treatments are available.

Although many people do not have visible hair loss, hair loss is a natural daily occurrence. Approximately 50 to 150 hairs are lost each day, but most hair regenerates because the hair follicle remains intact. If the follicles shrink due to heredity, hormones, stress, infection, certain prescription medication, illness, nutritional deficiency or age, the hair is not restored. When shedding significantly surpasses hair growth, baldness occurs. This Male Pattern Baldness usually begins at the forehead or on the top of the head, and progresses to the familiar horseshoe-shaped fringe of hair. Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available.

Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be properly treated. A doctor usually inspects the hair shafts, and may perform a biopsy of the skin. A biopsy helps determine if the hair follicles are normal; if they are not, the biopsy may indicate possible causes. If the doctor’s examination finds signs of irregularities or other serious illness, blood tests to identify those disorders may be required.

Assuming no diseases, or pathologies there are two medications that can treat baldness effectively. Minoxidil, originally used to treat hypertension, has been shown to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness. The exact way that this medicine works is unknown. Hair growth usually occurs after the medicine has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. Hair loss will begin again within a few months after Minoxidil treatment is stopped. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp on a daily basis. Minoxidil can be used for both men and women.

Proscar, a medication used for prostate enlargement, works by blocking the effects of male hormones on the hair follicles and is taken by mouth daily.
Individuals with increased levels of the hormone DHT in the scalp experience a shortening growth phase or thinning of the hair. Proscar lowers the level of this hormone, and contributes to the normalization of the hair growth cycle. Proscar may be used for men only.

Improvement may occur with either of these drugs when taken for several months. The most important effect of these drugs may be to prevent further hair loss. The effects last only as long as the drugs are taken. A more permanent solution is a hair transplant, in which hair follicles are removed from one part of the scalp and transplanted to the bald area. During this procedure, the surgeon removes a section of hair form the back of the head, near the base of the skull. This area of hair is genetically different because they do not have the gene for hair loss in their follicles. Only a small scar is left and unless one shaves the back of the scalp is it not noticeable. The donated follicles are then placed in saline solution, while small incisions are made in the areas of hair loss. Each individual donated follicle is placed creating an uneven ordinary hairline. After the hairline is formed, the remaining donor follicles are put where thinned or balding spots occur.

In the newer hair transplant technique, only one or two hairs are transplanted at a time. Although this technique is more tedious, and time consuming, it does not require removal of large plugs of skin and allows the implants to be oriented in the same direction as the natural hair.

If satisfactory treatments are not appropriate for your type of hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles, wigs, hair weaves, hairpieces, or artificial hair replacement, or very simply wear a hat.

7 Tips For Boys On How To Deal With Their Acne

It’s every boy’s worst nightmare. Waking up the day before a school event to discover a big, red pimple baring itself for all to see right on your boy’s face! If you follow these tips, chances are you’ll notice a significant difference rather quickly

Many people believe that boy’s puberty and acne should not be seen as a problem but boys might disagree. Acne can have an affect on the confidence of the young man and makes this transitional time harder to live with.

Boys, puberty and acne can be controlled if you know what to do. When the boy starts showing signs of acne you can try changing his diet. Some folks agree that eating greasy foods or foods that contain chocolate may add to the problem of boys, puberty and acne. Although most experts disagree with this acne myth.

It is important for the boy to keep his face clean. There are many products on the market that can be used for cleansing if acne is a problem. Boys during puberty may find these products to be helpful.

Sometimes puberty and stress can combine to make acne even worse. Find the causes of stress and work on reducing or eliminating it. The acne itself can lead to stress and then you have a vicious cycle. A boy during puberty does not need the added stress of acne.

When you are dealing with boys during puberty it is helpful to know some things about acne. Here are some tips about boys during puberty who are experiencing acne.

Acne tip #1: Take the condition seriously. Acne outbreaks may not seem like a big deal to you but they may be a big deal to a boy during puberty.

Acne tip #2: Suggest a gentle skin cleaning regimen rather than severe scrubbing with harsh cleaners. A mild cleanser that can be used twice a day is all that is needed.

Acne tip #3: Ask a doctor or dermatologist for skin car advice. A health care professional will be able to guide you as far as a good cleaning program.

Acne tip #4: It is not a good idea to squeeze or pick at blemishes. This practice only makes the acne worse, and makes the scars last longer.

Acne tip #5: Try using acne skin care products that do not promote blemishes. There are skin care products that are labeled as non-comedogenic that should not clog pores.

Acne tip #6: If the boy is shaving try using different types of razors. Sometimes an electric razor is the best but for other boys a safety razor will be more comfortable.

Acne tip #7: If the acne is severe you may need a dermatologist to prescribe a medication for the boy during puberty. Sometimes a prescription is necessary to lessen the affects of the acne.

Boys during puberty need a lot of support and understanding. Discovering the best way to combat an acne condition will help a teenager during puberty so that he can deal with all the other changes that he is going through.