Notes from the Editor Emeritus
May 2014
in “
Hair transplant forum international
”
female hair loss scalp dermoscopy alopecias global photography hair bundle cross-section measurements HairCheck® device indolent inflammation female pattern hair loss topical corticosteroids minoxidil low level laser therapy LLLT vitamin D deficiency environmental toxins mercury Brazilian keratin hair-straightening treatments formaldehyde FPHL HairCheck vitamin D keratin treatments
TLDR Scalp tools, tracking progress, targeting scalp inflammation, and avoiding certain hair treatments can improve female hair loss treatment.
In 2014, Dr. Bernard Nusbaum discussed the diagnosis and treatment of female hair loss. He highlighted the use of scalp dermoscopy as a valuable tool in recognizing features of various alopecias. He also mentioned the use of global photography and hair bundle cross-section measurements using the HairCheck® device to track a patient's progress. He noted the importance of recognizing an indolent inflammation in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and suggested that therapies targeting this inflammation, such as compounding topical corticosteroids with minoxidil, could enhance treatment efficacy. He also mentioned the potential benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT), citing a study involving 269 participants that showed a significant increase in mean terminal hair with LLLT. He also discussed the potential role of vitamin D deficiency in hair loss and the possible impact of environmental toxins, such as mercury, on hair loss. Lastly, he warned about the potential hair loss effects of Brazilian keratin hair-straightening treatments due to high formaldehyde levels.
