BANGALORE: City dermatologists say people should watch out for too much hair fall while taking a shower, combing or while taking off their helmets and consult a dermatologist as this is a warning sign for baldness. They say that people can also go bald due to stress, strain or if they are exposed to excessive pollution.
Dr R K Hanumanthayya, consultant dermatologist from Vydehi Hospital says, although baldness is a universal phenomena, the condition can also be due to health factors and hormones playing a vital role.
"Hormones and testosterone change the human body in teens. In these years, the vertex and frontal area of the head starts losing hair due to an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone in the peripheral tissues," says Dr Hanmanthayya.
Experts also say that male-pattern baldness typically appears first on the sides and on the centre of scalp and female-pattern baldness generally occurs with thinning of hair at the partition area. These can also be hereditary.
Early diagnosis can prevent surgeries:
Dr Vijaya Gowri Bandaru, consultant dermatologist, Sakra World Hospital said, baldness can be prevented in early stages with topical and oral medications. The hair re-growth will start within six-eight months. But, in the later stages, it becomes extremely difficult and then hair transplant is the only solution. "Baldness generally occurs in middle aged adults usually in the 35-40 age group. However, due to stress, erratic lifestyles and environment pollution, we are observing early onset and people are being affected in their 20's,” says Dr Gowri Bandaru.
Don’t go by televised claims
Experts say that compositions of products shown on TV are unknown. "There have been no clinical research studies to validate those findings,” they say.
"The treatment through Minoxidil (2 per cent or 5 per cent solution) entails spraying or applying lotion directly on one's scalp twice a day. Cantharidine hair oil is used for the same purpose. There is Biotin and finastride oral drug, but the drugs can also have an effect on libido," warns Dr Hanumanthayya.