Bye Bye Baldness, Thanks To Arthritis Drugs

Kyle Rhodes after using an arthritis drug
to treat alopecia areata (Image Source)

It's funny sometimes how answers to life's problems come in unexpected packages. In this case of baldness cure, it comes in the form of an arthritis drug. It is when a certain Kyle Rhodes, who has spent most of his life hairless, was the lucky patient to try it and enjoyed its successful results. From a head and body completely barren of hair, he is now happy with how a lot of it is growing in.

In a CNN interview the 25-year-old Rhodes shared that he was diagnosed with a condition called Alopecia Universalis when he was just 2 years old. This is when a person not only loses the hairs on his head, but also the ones all over his body. It started to fall off in patches but it was by the time he turned 18 when every hair from his body was totally gone. This was a total blow to his self-esteem and social life, which also left him the target of a lot of rude comments and jokes.

Alopecia Universalis at a Glance

Alopecia is a condition where a person loses some part or all of his hair. This may either be a temporary occurrence or a permanent condition and is classified into different types. This includes the following:

Alopecia Areata (AA) – describes the loss of hair that occur in patches all anywhere on your body.

Alopecia Totalis (AT) – this is total hair loss on the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis (AU) – total hair loss all over the body and plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by red scaly areas of the skin.

Alopecia Barbae – loss of facial hair in men particularly in the bearded area

Alopecia Mucinosa – a type of alopecia that is characterized by scaly patches

Androgenetic Alopecia – male pattern baldness also considered to be a hereditary form of hair loss

Traction Alopecia – caused by too much force applied on the hair

Unexpected Answer

Rhodes, sought any help he could find, and he was referred to Yale University. Dr. Brett A.King, who is the assistant professor of dermatology at YaleUniversity School of Medicine and also the senior author of the case study, suggested that since the problem is caused by an autoimmune disorder, why not treat it with a drug that is also used for another autoimmune case? For this he chose Xeljanz, a drug that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Xeljanz, which is also known as tofacitinib citrate, is an FDA-approved drug for rheumatoid arthritis. But it was also found to be a successful treatment for psoriasis in humans. But more than that, what is also a revelation is that it is also able to reverse alopecia areata in mice studies.

So they tried the treatment on Rhodes and placed him on tofacitinib at 10 mg daily. After two months of continued treatment, his psoriasis showed some improvement. More than that, he also grew scalp and facial hair – the very first ones the he had grown in years. The therapy continued on for three more months at an increased dose of 15 mg daily. With that, the patient showed more improved results as Rhodes completely grown all of his scalp hair and also showed more visible eyebrows, facial hair, eyelashes and even some armpit hairs. He was already sporting full regrowth at eight months time.

The drug encourages hair regrowth by basically turning off the immune system's attack on the hair follicles. Tofacitinib was able to improve some cases of psoriasis, but in the case of Rhodes, it showed to be mildly effective.

Side effects

It is only normal to be concerned on whether this drug poses certain side effects just like any other. But according to Rhodes, he did not experience any side effects, which was also reflected on his lab tests as it showed no abnormalities.

Dr. King is ecstatic with the results but also shares that he would like to try it out on more patients. He submitted a proposal for a clinical trial for a tofacitinib cream to serve as treatment for alopecia areata.

However, a certain Dr. George Cotsarelis, the chairman of dermatology at the University of Pannsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, expressed concerned when asked by CNN for comments. He explains that some people who have taken the drug have died due to infections like tuberculosis. Other was even threatened with more serious cases such as the increased risk of cancer, which was also mentioned in the product's website.

But it is that very reason why King was interested in developing the cream so that instead of exposing the whole body with the effects of the oral drug, the action now will be more focused and localized to the areas that are affected with hair loss.

Drawbacks

Both doctors shared the same point that the drug will work for the type of baldness that is caused by old age. So for those who are in their twilight and still wishing to regain lost hair, it might not be good idea to get your hopes up.

Another concern is that it is not yet clear whether you should be taking the drug for life to maintain the results. Of course with long use, one would really be concerned with eventual side effects.

But it is the cost of this drug that would really have most people backing down. Tofacitinib is a new and expensive drug. Not counting insurance, this could take you back $25,000 every year. 

Despite being a rather hopeful case, one should still practice extra caution. This drug or treatment still needs further studies. In time, one can only hope that it will surely give them the relief that they have long waited for. 

Hair Cloning: The New Trend in Hair Loss Treatments

Hair Loss Cure? Scientists Find Way To
Regrow Hair With Person's Own Cells

Hair loss is a problem that affects millions of men, and even women, worldwide. It has been a problem that has gone for centuries, which is why experts have created a variety of treatments already. 

Since science is forever evolving and people are always looking for ways to find the best and most efficient solutions, they now came up with hair cloning.

This new technique in hair restoration involves the removal of a small patch of cells from the back of the scalp that are involved in hair formation and then culture them in a petri dish in a laboratory setting to increase their numbers. Once this is done, the cloned hairs are then transplanted into the recipient area.

Professor Angela Christiano from the dermatology and genetics department in Columbia University in New York City is the lead author of this study. She said, “This approach has the potential to transform the medical treatment of hair loss.”

Her interest in such study was sparked by her own experience. She was struck with the type of hair loss that was called alopecia areata, which reduced her luxurious hair into bald spots. She was unfortunate to catch this genetic condition which runs in her family.

Together with a team of researchers from Durham University, they made this discovery after examining rodents and their ability to regenerate hair after their skin cells that produce hair were harvested and then transplanted back on their skin.

Similar attempts were also done on human subjects; however this has proven to be fruitless. This is because the cells mysteriously lose their ability to generate hair follicles after they are transplanted. They simply revert to basic skin cells when the dermal papilla cells (cells found on the base of hair follicles) are placed in conventional, two-dimensional tissue culture.

Despite that, the researchers still saw the possibility of these hair transplants to mimic the replication process that occurs in rodent cells.

One of Christiano's partners from Durham University, a certain Dr. Colin Jahoda, they noticed that the rodent papilla cells formed clumps while in culture, and the human cells did not. He surmised that the clumps may be necessary. This led him to change the usual one-cell layer on the petri dish and used the “hanging drop culture” which is an older method.

The results of this technique created a difference. Out of seven samples, five were able to grow new hair for six weeks. DNA tests confirmed that the new follicles were human, and these also matched the donors.

Even with the successful turnout, they still believe that this process still remains to be a work in progress.

There are a number of factors that still has to be considered before they open this procedure out to the public. First is the cost of the procedure and the potential side effects. The researchers are also quite uncertain if the cloned hair follicles will come out to be of the right quality, otherwise strange hair could result.

If these techniques do come out to be successful, these will provide more hope for men and women who are suffering from excessive hair loss. They will no longer worry about the scarring or limited hair donors.

Professor Christiano said, “This method offers the possibility of inducing large numbers of hair follicles or rejuvenating existing hair follicles, starting with cells grown from just a few hundred donor hairs. It could make hair transplantation available to individuals with a limited number of follicles, including those with female-pattern hair loss, scarring alopecia, and hair loss due to burns.

This technique may still have to be perfected, but if it does turn out to be successful this can certainly help a large chunk of hair loss sufferers whatever the cause may be. The patients are able to actually grow new hair follicles using their own cells. So this means that you don't have to worry about thinning in balding areas or if the number of donor hair is severely low.

Watch Professor Angela Christiano talks about New Hair Loss Treatment

Source and Citation: 

1. techventures.columbia.edu/blog/profile/dr-angela-christiano-discovers-genetic-basis-hair-loss

2. huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/hair-loss-cure-regrow-cells_n_4138137.html

3. forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2013/10/22/researchers-re-grow-hair-in-mice-offering-hope-for-hair-loss

How ALS May be Linked to Hair Loss?

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig's disease 

after Lou Gehrig, a hall-of-fame baseball 

player for the New York Yankees who 

was diagnosed with ALS in the 1930s.

Hair loss is a condition that can be attributed to a number of causes, which is why it is important to point this out first so that treatment can be more effective. 

However, there are cases where it’s the other way around. The occurrence of hair loss can be a determining factor of some health conditions. Researchers from Harvard University claimed that hair loss can be attributed to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or what is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

The study suggests that men who are balding at an early stage in life are at a greater risk of developing the neurodegenerative disorder.

What is ALS?

This is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system which causes it to degenerate overtime. It attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which eventually causes the motor neurons to die. This results to the loss of ability to control muscle movements. As the condition advances patients in later stages may experience total paralysis.

In the recent study at Harvard’s School of Public Health (HSPH), there were more than 50,000 participants whose age range was between 46-81 years old. It was a longitudinal study which means that it spanned over a long period of time.

Back in 1992, the men reported as to how much their hairline was receding at age 45. There were 44% of the study participants who reported no balding at 45, while 42% said they experienced moderate balding at the same age. There was a meagre 14% of the population who reported extensive balding also at 45.

Follow-up surveys were conducted after 16 years. Results showed that 42 of these men developed ALS. The group was further specified with 11 who reported of extensive balding, 18 showed moderate balding, and 13 experienced no balding at all. This number showed a linear trend which then lead to the conclusion that men who experienced the early onset of alopecia has a higher risk of developing ALS.

Researchers also made it clear that there is no need to panic. According to Elinor Fondell, who is the study author, a portion of those men who developed ALS never went bald. Therefore the link may not really hold true for everyone. With this Fondell claims that this established link still needs further testing.

This is an important fact to consider if you are experiencing hair loss because ALS is classified among the top five common motor neuron diseases.

It might give you comfort to know that ALS does not have a genetic component, however there is no precise cause that can be pointed out. Researchers are hoping that the findings they find into early balding can help them understand the disease based on the hormonal changes and even gene location.

Yes, there are theories regarding the genetic component of the disease and it points out to the variations in early balding. They say that these variations are within close range to that gene which has a link with ALS. Because of this, the two genes are seen to affect each other in the same way.

If you are concerned about this you can give yourself the peace of mind by approaching your primary care physician for a thorough workup. For some, hair loss can simply be due to genetics, stress, medications, or other environmental factors. But in some occasions it can be caused by a more serious case, therefore never hesitate to get yourself checked to rule out other causes. 

Source (s) and Citation (s)

1. aje.oxfordjournals.org

2. www.hsph.harvard.edu

Vampire Hair Treatment - A New Baldness Cure?

NBC Palm Beach WPTV Ashleigh Walker visited Dr. Alan Bauman at Bauman Medical Group in Boca Raton. Image Source: Flickr.com

It seems that vampires are not only invading novels, movies and the hearts of teenage girls, but also even in the hair care industry. 

Today, a new non-invasive treatment is introduced in the market for restoring thinning hair using the patient’s own blood. They are calling it the “Vampire Hair Treatment”, because it uses the patient’s own blood to regrow hair where bald patches occur.

This new-age treatment involves the extraction of the patient’s own blood, and then processing it through a machine to separate the platelet rich plasma. This is the blood component that will be injected into the head to do the regeneration process.

This treatment is also used in facial and hand rejuvenation, also called a PRP treatment. It is even marketed as the Vampire facelift to attract a big following and create an interesting flare. But even with that aside, the treatment has proven to be safe and effective.

Once injected into the scalp, the PRP stimulates new stem cells in the area to promote hair growth. To prove this claim, a research was conducted on people who are battling an autoimmune disorder affecting the hair called alopecia areata. The study, which is published in the British Journal ofDermatology, also stated that this condition affects about 2% of the population. But scientists also believe that this can also help those who are suffering from male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

In the study the researchers recruited 45 volunteers who all have alopecia areata, and they are randomly selected into the following groups: the placebo group, the PRP group and the triamcinolone group. For all three groups the PRP treatment was injection on just half of their scalp leaving the other untreated. Each of the patients received treatment three times with an interval of one month, and then they are monitored for 12 months.

The possible outcomes they are looking for include hair regrowth, hair dystrophy, cell proliferation and a burning or itching sensation.

At the end of the study, the authors observed that PRP treatment was able to increase hair growth significantly.  

There was also a reduction in hair dystrophy as well as burning and itching sensations. None of the participants also reported of any side effects while on treatment.

The study conclusion states:

This pilot study, which is the first to investigate the effects of PRP on AA, suggests that PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option in AA, and calls for more extensive controlled studies with this method.

According to a certain Dr. Fabio Rinaldi, he believes that this is one of the best treatments for hair loss aside from surgery. The platelets actually contain very powerful growth factors that stimulate cellular metabolism and activity.

Based on those who have tried the vampire hair treatment, the most painful part of the procedure is getting the head numbed. Afterwards, the platelets are then injected into the areas of the scalp that are already showing signs of thinning.

However, PRP treatment won’t do much of an effect in areas where follicles are completely destroyed. It works on areas where hair is still present however they are wispier, thinner, and weaker.

The good thing with this procedure is that it leaves no evidence that it has been done. In fact, you can even wash and style your hair after the procedure. The final result often takes up to a year, but one can already notice improvements in 90 days.

Even before PRP treatments were already used to ensure the healthy growth of hair grafts in hair transplant surgery. This augments the nutrition and support that is necessary for hair growth and health.

Scientists at the International Hair Research Foundation, Hebrew University Medical Centre in Israel and the Universtiy of Brescia in Italy are making further research about this treatment. They are looking into ways to develop the treatment into a cream to prevent the need for injections.

With the overwhelming effects of alopecia on the self-esteem and self-image of the person affected, this treatment can give them back the normalcy they deserve. It is a safe alternative hair loss treatment that has actually demonstrated impressive results. Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists was even quoted saying, “Alopecia is known to lead to overwhelming effects on the patient’s quality of life and self-esteem. This could offer hope to thousands. 

Link to Headlines

Scientists' 'vampire treatment' for baldness. The Telegraph. Published May 07, 2013

The vampire 'cure' for baldness: Scientists inject patient's own blood into head to stimulate hair growth'.  The Daily Mail. Published May 5, 2013

Unsuitable Shampoos Result to Hair Loss

In a recent statement released by doctors from Taiwan, they advised the public to opt for shampoos that are appropriate for their scalp conditions. This is to reduce the incidence of hair loss and other symptoms.

This came about when a man was reported to suffer from severe hair loss after sharing a bottle of shampoo with his girlfriend which was actually formulated to revitalize permed and damaged hair. The shampoo was said to have contained a number of nutrients which are not suited for the man’s condition therefore clogging his scalp follicles.

The symptoms did not appear right away and it took months before it was finally noticeable. It was the man’s use of inappropriate shampoo that exacerbated any pre-existing conditions that he has. This means to say that shampoos are not simply for cleansing, but you should also learn to look at the ingredient most especially if you have certain hair and scalp conditions.

In this particular case where the man used his girlfriend’s shampoo, it is important to know that the dermal sebaceous glands in men function at twice the rate as those in women. That is why it is advisable not to share shampoos between genders.

Read: Four Tips to Manage Hair Loss

Aside from the biological makeup, there are ingredients that are in shampoos which lead to hair loss. This includes sulphates, sodium chloride, and formaldehyde.

Sulfates, often listed as sodium lauryl sulphate and ammonium lauryl sulphate (ALS) are formulated in large quantities in certain shampoos so that they produce more foam. But according to research this doesn’t necessarily create benefits but in fact they are found to be irritants as evidenced by patch tests. In studies that are conducted on rats, it was shown that SLS and ALS were able to cause damage to hair follicles which potentially result to hair loss.

Sodium chloride, which many of us know as table salt, is actually mixed into shampoos as well as conditioners which contains sodium lauryl sulfate. This can result to dry and itchy scalp and can even cause a certain amount of hair loss. Another option would be to use shampoos that contain ammonium-based surfactants because these use ammonium chloride.

Formaldehyde is also formulated in a lot of shampoos, even those used for babies. This is for the purpose of increasing its shelf life with its preservative action. Formaldehyde is actually an ingredient that is most commonly used for embalming, and if exposed to excessive amounts this can result to DNA damage and even hair loss.

In some cases, such as in Taiwan, the reason for most male hair loss is the humid climate. This can also have a negative effect on the scalp particularly for those who are already experiencing itchiness, dandruff and excessive oiliness of the scalp and hair. If left untreated this promotes bacterial and fungal growth.

That is why doctors urge patients to always visit hair doctor immediately before a simple hair dilemma results in widespread damage. For all you know, your hair loss could simply be remedied by just choosing the right shampoo. 

Read: What To Do When Hair Loss Strikes

Hair Loss in Women Could be a Sign of Hidden Health Problems

When we talk of hair loss, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is popularly known as a male problem. But the truth is that it is also a common problem for the ladies. It affects 30 million women in the US and 60 million in Britain. But despite having a large number of women affected by it, this subject remain to be a taboo leading many to suffer in silence.

If hair loss affects the self-image of some men, just imagine how it would be for women, whose hair largely defines their personality. Hair is not only a growth that covers the head, but it is also a factor that significantly boosts one’s confidence. That is why it comes as a much bigger blow for the fairer sex for them to lose their locks.

Hair loss in women is often linked to hormonal changes. Female hormones go through a ride of changes which causes it to fluctuate resulting in body changes that are either good or frustrating. A certain milestone that can also cause hair loss is menopause.

As a woman age, the hairs also start to thin. At this stage the female hormones estrogen and progesterone experience falling levels resulting to an increase in testosterone levels. This can create certain effects on the hair follicles resulting in mild or severe hair loss.

In one study, it was found out that out of 1008 subjects of women with hair loss, a fifth of these are those between 30-49 years old, one fourth are those between 50-69, and 28% are those who are ages 70-79.

But what is more troubling is that hair loss can also be a sign of a certain health condition. That is why women, or anyone who is experiencing hair loss, are advised to go for a consultation to rule out any pathologic conditions. The right diagnosis is very important so that appropriate treatment can be given at the earliest possible time.

One female condition that could result in hair loss is polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects 10 percent of women. It triggers the ovaries to produce more testosterone which results in excess facial body hair, but thinning and bald patches on scalp.

Other conditions include iron deficiency, anemia, or an under active thyroid. To properly assess the root cause of the problem, blood tests are necessary. The doctor can then prescribe appropriate treatment to solve the problem.

In some cases where hair loss is caused by genetic predisposition, there are also hair loss drugs available in the market that is specifically formulated for women. Other opt for Ayurvedic treatments, while some seek surgical measures such as hair transplant. However not everyone may pass as good candidates for surgery.

Low level laser therapy is also another way to treat female hair loss minus the invasiveness. But all these will only work if there is a thorough assessment. So for those who are seeing their hair starting to thin or recede, go to your doctor first before frantically searching for solutions on your own. For all you know there could be a bigger problem health wise that needs fixing.

If you have more questions about women hair loss or to find out more about what can be done for thinning hair, please don't hesitate to contact us at 1300 378 336 or visit our official website: www.esteemstudio.com.au.