Mesotherapy is a treatment for curing baldness by reversing hair loss. The treatment incorporates the use of superficial microinjections into the target tissues to achieve hair growth. The solution injected contains a wide range of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, nucleic acids, and co-enzymes.
Advantages of Mesotherapy
- There is no dressing or local anaesthesia required.
- Minimal downtime
- Minimal pain or reaction
Immediate advantages
- Improvement in hair volume
- Stimulation of blood circulation
- Reduction of hair loss
- Growth and better survival of hair follicles
Mechanism of Mesotherapy
The treatment works in two ways, namely mechanical and chemical. The mechanical aspect of mesotherapy involves making holes in the scalp using needles, which in turn increases the collagen growth in your body. On the other hand, the chemical aspect of the treatment can be explained by the administration of small doses of different medications in specific areas. These doses act like medicinal bullets that in turn improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, stimulates collagen, all of which accompanies to increases hair growth.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is a type of localized hair loss that is typically seen as bald patches. It may affect any hairy area of the body. In the majority of cases, hair regrows after several months.
Causes of alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune disease. This occurs when the body’s own immune system damages its healthy cells. In Alopecia areata, white blood cells gather around the affected hair roots (hair follicles). This causes inflammation which leads to hair loss. Genetics, atopy and environmental factors play a role. It is not a hereditary condition
Clinical features
It typically occurs as one or more bald patches on the scalp. It can affect any hairy area of the body. Hair loss may be seen on the scalp, beard, mustache, eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair may also be lost. Scalp is the common site affected in 90% of the cases. Apart from the bald patches, the scalp usually looks healthy and there is no scarring. The bald patches are round in shape and about the size of a coin. The nails may be affected in about 1 in 10 cases of Alopecia areata
What are the treatment options in Alopecia areata?
Steroid injections Injections of steroids (Triamcinolone acetonide) into the bald patches of the scalp suppress the local immune reaction that occurs in Alopecia areata and allow the regrowth. This treatment may be an option for one or more small- to medium-sized bald patches. Injections are repeated every 4-6 weeks. It takes 1-2 months for the hair to start to regrow. There is no guarantee that any hair re-grown during treatment will persist. Topical steroids and immunomodulators Steroid cream, gel, etc, can be used but these are not as effective as steroid injections. Topical steroids are to be strictly used under medical supervision and prolonged use should be avoided. Topical corticosteroid-sparing agents such as tacrolimus can be used in sites such as eyebrows. Topical minoxidil solution Applied to the bald patches and has been shown to promote hair re-growth in some cases. Contact immunotherapy Topical immunotherapy is the most effective option for people with substances like diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is applied on the affected skin to make the skin react like an allergy or dermatitis (eczema). The skin reaction affect the process involved in causing Alopecia areata to regrow hair
Various other treatments include the following: Other treatments 8. Can Alopecia patches progress from one bald patch to extensive involvement? Alopecia areata is a cosmetic problem. The change in appearance may cause anxiety, depression or feelings of unattractiveness. In children with Alopecia areata, change in child’s behavior may be noted and the child may have low self-esteem and appear withdrawn. 10. What can be done to overcome the psychological distress associated with Alopecia areata? Phototherapy has been used with limited success with either psoralen combined with ultraviolet A (PUVA) or narrow-band UVB therapy. Systemic steroids are used for rapidly progressive and extensive involvement as long-term or short-term treatment.
Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, or methotrexate may be used.Wigs are considered in resistant cases.Tattooing can be considered in case of eyebrow hair loss for cosmetic reasons.The bald patches start in childhood. If there is a history of atopic eczema(A type of skin allergy). If there is a family history of Alopecia areata. The initial bout of hair loss affects more than half of the scalp area. When eyelashes and/or eyebrows are involved. Hair loss is around the scalp margin. Nail changes are present. Underlying autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, lichen planus, thyroid disorders or diabetes mellitus may be present Learn to develop positive feedback mechanisms and accept the change in appearance. Consult a dermatologist for appropriate counseling and treatment.
What is male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss in men. Baldness appears gradually on the crown of the scalp or as a receding hairline at the frontal and thinning of hair over temple areas. It affects about 30% of men by the age of 30 and 50% of men over the age of 50. Causes of male pattern baldness? Both genetic and hormonal factors are responsible.
Inherited from one or both parents
Testosterone is naturally converted in the body to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes a change in the hair follicles on the scalp. Increased levels of DHT have been found in the balding scalp. The hairs become progressively smaller in diameter, shorter in length, and lighter in color until eventually the follicles shrink completely and stop producing hair.
Clinical features
A receding frontal hairline is a usual pattern and there may be loss of hair from the top of the head. Hairs in the affected areas are thin and short before they become absent. Men become aware of scalp hair loss or a receding hairline at any time after puberty but most of them become aware of it as they approach their thirties
Treatment
Male pattern baldness is progressive and it does not improve or reverse without treatment. Minoxidil and Finasteride are commonly prescribed medications that may restore the hair to some extent Minoxidil solution may cause an initial hair fall in the first 2-8 weeks of treatment, and this usually subsides when the new hairs start to grow. At least 6 months of application is required to notice any benefit. Minoxidil can cause reactions such as dryness, redness, scaling, and/or itchiness at the site of application and should not be applied if there are cuts or open wounds. It is applied to the affected scalp (not the hair) using a dropper or pump spray device and should be spread over the affected area lightly
Finasteride tablets reduce levels of DHT (hormone), which may slow hair loss and possibly help the regrowth of hair.it takes 3 -6 months. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common type of hair loss seen in women usually occurring in the 40-60s years of age Female pattern hair loss is due to genetic and hormonal factors. There is gradual thinning of scalp hair at the center and increased shedding. May be associated with conditions in which androgen (a group of hormones) levels are elevated such as polycystic ovarian disease.
Clinical features
There is widespread thinning of the hair, mainly on the crown of the scalp. It may initially start as widening of the hair parting areas. In females, the hairline at the front of the scalp often remains normal unlike in men where receding of frontal hair line is observed.
Hairs in the affected areas are initially thinner and shorter compared to hairs in unaffected areas before they become absent. FPHL usually manifests after 40 years of age. Earlier onset may be seen in n syndrome (PCOS). Acne, increased facial hair, irregular periods, and infertility are all signs of PCOS. Treatment 2% or 5% minoxidil solution is applied to the scalp to slow down the progression and partially restore hair in some women. Minoxidil solution should only be applied to the scalp. Any spillage to the forehead or cheeks should be cleansed to avoid increased hair growth in these areas. Minoxidil should be used for at least 6 months before any benefit may be noted. Oral treatments such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide, and cimetidine can block the action of DHT (hormone)on the scalp, which may lead to some improvement in hair loss.
Your toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. The health of your nails can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can be signs of lung, heart, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.
Nail problems that sometimes require treatment include:
- Ingrown toenails: If the toenail is not cut properly, it penetrates into the nail-fold as it grows, causing redness, swelling and pain..
The best way to avoid an in-growing toenail is to ensure that your toenails are cut properly. There are three cardinal rules to follow when you are trimming your toenails:
• Don’t cut them too short.
• Don’t ever cut down the side of the nail.
• Always follow the shape of the toe.
Treatment
- Fungal infection or onychomycosis: Fungus can infect any part of the body. Infection of the nails by fungus is called onychomycosis. Fungal infection causes thickening, breaking and discolouration of nails. When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, its called athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
Symptoms
- Thickened
- Whitish to yellow-brown discoloured
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged
- Distorted in shape
- A dark colour, caused by debris building up under your nail
- Smelling slightly foul
- Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it’s more common in toenails.
- Paronychia or red inflamed nail folds: Paronychia is inflammation of the nail folds which become swollen, painful and red. In severe types, pus may ooze from the nail folds. Too frequent and prolonged immersion of the hands in water is the primary cause of paronychia. Once the damage to the skin has occurred, infection by fungus and bacteria may supervene. It is commonly seen in housewives, kitchen helpers, bakers and dishwashers.
Prevention of paronychia
Paronychia can easily be prevented if you-
- Keep your hands as dry as possible
- Dry wet hands carefully
- Use rubber gloves (especially if your hands have to be in contact with water for long periods of time)
- Handle the nail-cuticle carefully.
Once the problem has set in, seek expert help — you might require medication with antibiotics and antifungal agents.
Other nail disorders are brittle nail,leukonychia,perungal warts and tumor.
