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• CORE TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS - DERMATOLOGISTS' RECOMMENDATION

• HairSite Editorial - 8/27/98

• HairSite Research

Our research has shown that many doctors and dermatologists regard the following as the core treatment for hair loss:

1) Propecia (1 mg finasteride) - oral pills
2) 5% Minoxidil topical lotion
3) Nizoral shampoo

The consensus is that we need Propecia to reduce the amount of DHT that is present in our scalp. DHT is a derivative of the male hormone testosterone and is believed to be the main cause of hair loss in male pattern baldness and to a certain extent in female hair loss as well. Taking Propecia will reduce the formation of DHT and thus reduce the chance of hair loss.  At the same time, it has been suggested that Minoxidil can stimulate blood circulation and thus promote hair growth. Minoxidil and Propecia appear to work differently and yet perfectly complement each other in treating hair loss. The third weapon in the arsenal is Nizoral shampoo to help against scalp inflammation.  Many people are experiencing hair loss as a result of scalp inflammation. Symptoms include itchiness of the scalp, excessive flaking, redness, scabs and other scalp irritations. Sometimes scalp inflammation may be related to long term use of minoxidil which contains alcohol and propylene glycol. Alcohol has a drying effect on the scalp and since most minoxidil topical lotion is formulated with at least 50% alcohol, some people may get the so called "minoxidil burn" on their scalp in the long term. Nizoral contains 2% ketoconazole is an anti-bacterial shampoo that helps to control scalp inflammation.