Zinc Deficiency Dermatoses: Etiology, Clinical Aspects, and Treatment

Zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole shampoos may help reduce hair loss by removing DHT from the scalp. Users discuss various treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, and non-pharmaceutical options like castor oil and dermarolling.

Zinc supplementation caused significant hair shedding for the user, who had been successfully managing hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling. The user discontinued zinc after noticing no libido increase and believes the hair loss was due to zinc's interaction with other minerals or hormonal changes.

Zinc is not effective for hair loss unless there's a deficiency. Finasteride and minoxidil are recommended treatments.

The conversation discusses using zinc sulphate and azelaic acid to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity, which could potentially treat androgen-related skin conditions like hair loss. Combining these with vitamin B6 could enhance the effect, potentially offering an alternative to finasteride.

A 36-year-old man with androgenetic alopecia suspects copper and zinc deficiencies may be accelerating hair loss and is supplementing copper to address this. He is also monitoring blood sugar levels due to previous prediabetes concerns and plans to test for insulin resistance.

The user is experimenting with a zinc sulfate and B6 topical solution called "Zix" for hair loss, alongside using a zinc oxide scalp mask and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). They report minimal hair loss after three months of use and are seeking feedback from others who have tried similar treatments.