Is Rogaine appropriate for unusual hair loss?

October 6, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Years ago I lost the hair under my under arms. Now I’m losing my pubic hair. I talked to my doctor about it and he said I should use Rogaine which I have for five or six months now. Is he on the right track or is there something else I should be doing with better results?

DEAR READER: There are a number of reasons for loss of body hair, to include severe emotional stress, crash diets that lack sufficient protein, a medical illness, some medications to include antidepressants and calcium channel blockers, high fever, major illness, and blood loss. Conditions that lead to loss of hair include some thyroid disorders, (specifically hypothyroidism), immune system diseases, cancer, lupus, anemia, advancing age, heredity and changes in testosterone levels. [Read more...]

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Hair loss remedies

March 8, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Some time ago, you mentioned a specific shampoo that seemed to have hair-restorative properties. I forgot to write down the name of that shampoo and would like to know if you remember it. Thanks.

DEAR READER: You are likely referring to Tresemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume Shampoo and Tresemme Vitamin E Conditioner. Other readers have also had success with other types of Tresemme shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and B vitamins.
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How much biotin is safe?

January 8, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: You stated in a previous article that biotin was needed for healthy hair and to help stop hair loss. How much biotin is safe to take? I take 1,000 milligrams twice daily, but I lose a lot of hair every time I wash it, which is every other day.

DEAR READER: Biotin, otherwise known as vitamin B7, is produced naturally in the intestines. When the body doesn’t manufacture adequate amounts, hair loss and other conditions develop. This can occur because of excessive exercise, too much alcohol, seizure disorders, lactation and aging.
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Hair loss has few treatments, but emotional consequences

January 4, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with alopecia universalis. I saw my family doctor and three different dermatologists. They ran a few different tests, but nothing came up.

I realize this is not a death sentence, but it has affected my life in every which way. I did buy a wig, but that is only covering up the problem.

If you have any medical advice on this topic, I would greatly appreciate it. I guess I should mention that I am a 53-year-old woman, basically in good health.
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Hair loss remedies and a new home remedy

December 23, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Two things. First, do you have any help for hair loss (secondary to hypothyroidism)? Second, in nurse’s training, we learned that castor oil applied carefully on the eyelids at night and washed off with baby shampoo in the morning grew beautiful, thick lashes. A few weeks ago, I decided to wipe extra on my dry cuticles, and it helped.

DEAR READER: Thank you for the tip about castor oil. I hope my readers will benefit from it.

Now to your hair-loss question. If your thyroid hormones are not within normal limits, this may be contributing to your problem. [Read more...]

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Medical woes plague young reader

September 8, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Since childhood, I have been suffering with tonsillitis, chronic colds and allergies — both seasonal and medication-induced. At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with discoid lupus; at the age of 30, with fibromyalgia, pleurisy, kidney stones/infection, vertigo, depression and anxiety.

My ANA test for three years has come back normal, but I continue to get lesions, my hair falls out, and I get sick easily. I have been to two rheumatologists. Both say I do not have SLE, but my family doctor feels I do. What do you think?
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Are stress and baldness linked?

August 28, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My son has a bald spot on the back of his head. His doctor said it was stress-related alopecia. His hair grew back and his scalp was normal, but the bald spot reappeared, bigger, and is lasting much longer. So his doctor told him to buy Rogaine.

Am I correct that now he should see a dermatologist? I don’t think he’s stressed.

DEAR READER: I’m not all that sure your son suffers from alopecia, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. In most cases, with the various types of alopecia, hair falls out in small patches about the size of a quarter. [Read more...]

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Hair thickening shampoo

July 23, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Could you advise me of the Tresemme products that thicken hair? I thought I’d remember the items until I got to the store, but there were at least six different kinds, and I was quickly confused as to which to buy. Thank you.

DEAR READER: It has been some time since I mentioned that specific article and remedy for thinning hair, but I believe it to be Tresemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume. Brands of shampoo with supplemental B and E vitamins and as well as biotin and conditioners with E should be your best bet.

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Hair-loss has many causes

July 17, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a problem that has become embarrassing for me. I am a healthy 43-year-old woman. I am within normal weight, have no medical problems, and take only a multivitamin and calcium supplement daily.

My problem is that my bangs have become very thin and I have a semi-bald spot at the top of that area. I also seem to be losing a lot of hair while showering. Is there anything I can eat, supplements or herbal remedies that I can take, or a procedure that can correct this problem or at least stop it from continuing? I have become self-conscious about this and hope you have some suggestions. I will truly try anything.
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Fungal infection of the scalp

April 25, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My dermatologist told me that I have a fungal infection in my scalp. He gave me a shampoo that didn’t help and also made my hair very dry and unhealthy looking. I am now beginning to lose my hair every time I brush and wash it. It comes out in strands and doesn’t grow. I’m getting a small bald spot in the front and don’t know what to do or where to turn. Can you please help me?

DEAR READER: Fungal scalp infections, also known as tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp, are relatively common. Caused by a moldlike fungus, the condition is very contagious.

Symptoms include scalp itch, inflammation, pus-filled lesions, small black dots on the scalp and areas of the head that appear bald because the hair has literally broken off.
[Read more...]

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