Dear Readers,

Mac C. is a 42-year-old gentleman, who is an accounting clerk with a business in Kingston. His complaint to LIFELINE is the onset of progressive baldness, which started two-three years ago. His hair has become noticeably thinner at the back and top of his head, towards the forehead. Mac C is alarmed and perturbed. He is not ready for baldness! He asks LIFELINE what can be done to slow or stop the process.

Alopecia, hair loss resulting in baldness, can be due to many causes aside from that which occurs in the male of our species.

Alopecia can be due to scarring in the scalp, which occurs after infection or inflammation of the hair follicles (hair roots). This can occur after a fungal scalp infection with ring worm (Tinea Capitis) or with the Herpes zoster virus or bacteria. Hair follicles can also waste away, causing thinning or baldness of the hair. This can occur due to diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis or lupus. The scarring type of alopecia (baldness) is often permanent and is really difficult to reverse.

Male pattern baldness

The more common type of hair loss is due to non-scarring alopecia. This type of hair loss is dominated by the male pattern baldness, (androgenic alopecia). With male pattern baldness the hair tends to thin out and recede from the forehead, backward and down the sides. It usually takes many years to develop and often begins in the late 30s to early 40s, although it can occur as early as in the late teen years (18-19 years old).

Both genetic, hereditary factors and sex hormones are involved in baldness. This type of hair loss, in particular, is linked to high levels of the male testosterone hormone being present in the affected man. Women can also experience hair loss associated with changes in their hormone levels. This can be seen during and after pregnancies, and later, as the woman grows older and experiences menopause. In the female, this is usually manifested as a thinning of the hair, and hair loss is often not as extensive as in the male (although it can be!).

Hair can also be lost during a severe febricle illness or after use of certain medications, notably chemotherapeutic drugs used in the treatment of cancer. These drugs kill the fast-growing cancer cells and will damage other fast-growing cells in the body, e.g. hair follicles. Other drugs which can cause hair loss include:

Some birth control pills

Allopurinal (used to treat gout)

Some anti-Inflammatory drugs

Some blood pressure medications

Very high doses of vitamin A

Stress is also a cause of temporary hair loss as well as malnutrition. Crash dieting also affect hair growth negatively.

Infections and diseases

Hypothyroidism is another hormonal disorder, predisposing an individual to thin hair. Another type of non-scarring hair loss is due to alopecia areata where rapid loss of hair can also occur with some of the more fashionable hair styles. Hair that is pulled into tight braids or pony tails, hair that is frequently dyed with permanent solutions and the repeated use of bleaches, can all experience hair damage and hair loss.

The treatment of baldness or hair loss is based on the underlying cause. Infections and diseases must be treated before improvement can be seen.

Hair transplants are more effective and are much more fashionable at this time. Hair is taken from areas of more heavy hair growth such as the back of the neck and punched into the scalp areas with poor hair growth.

For general skin care, a good multivitamin and mineral supplement should be taken daily. Vitamin E and selenium supplements also improve hair health while silica, zinc and Vitamin C assist with hair growth and strength. Saw Palmetto is a herb reputed to help reverse male pattern baldness and can be used as a health supplement in the balding man. If Mac C. is really concerned, he should visit a dermatologist for further advice and treatment.

Write to:

Lifeline,

PO Box 1731

Kingston 8