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Published on October 30, 2007

Strands fall out every time I use a comb. Can you suggest an effective treatment for hair loss? 

To confirm suspicions that your hair is falling out, you have to actually collect and count all of the hair that falls out in one 24-hour period. It's normal to lose 40 to 100 strands per day. More than that, and you are experiencing hair loss, or thinning. A number of things can contribute to hair loss, such as stress, thyroid diseases, pregnancy, infections and drug usage. You need to see a dermatologist, who may ask questions about your health and lifestyle to look for a specific cause.

In your case, I'm not sure if you are male or female, the common cause of hair loss in males being male-pattern hair loss. This is genetic and - despite the name - can affect both men and women. The shedding of hair is caused by the hair follicles' sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a metabolite of testosterone. Follicles begin shrinking on exposure to DHT, the growth stage becoming shorter and the resting and shedding phases longer, until hair production stops completely. The end result is a very small, empty follicle which fails to grow a new hair.

There are many hair-loss treatments for dermatologists and their patients to choose from. Some doctors prescribe medications which are taken orally together with topical cream or serum. My favourite therapy is the Dermal Injection Free procedure, which stimulates hair regrowth. The device uses safe pulses of electricity to help stimulate drug delivery into the scalp. The technique is pain-free and leaves no swelling or bruising. After the initial treatment series - two times a week for about a month - you can expect some of your hair to grow back. Then you might need once-a-week treatment for another three to four months. However, there are a lot of different regimens for hair-loss treatment, and it's important to find the one that fits your own case.

 I have a skin problem that seems to get worse when the weather gets cool and dry. I'm 35 now, but ever since childhood I've suffered from dry skin around my nose, cheeks and all over my face. I have the same problem with my scalp. Help!

This is a tough one to comment on without seeing you. It's possible you could have a type of facial eczema or seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, or a combination of those three. I really think you need to see a dermatologist for this one. He or she will be able to diagnose your particular problem and suggest a remedy. There is light treatment, such as the V-Beam Laser that helps calm hyperactive immune-system cells in the skin that can cause such conditions. V-Beam Laser is available in many skin clinics. In the meantime, you can use the over-the-counter Nizoral, Head & Shoulders or other dandruff-fighting shampoos that contain zinc. Make sure to use mild, non-irritating cleansers and moisturisers twice a day on your face until you get a chance to see a dermatologist.

Changes in the weather make my skin dry, itchy and scaly.

What can I do?

The low humidity during winter can cause dry, irritated skin. When skin becomes dry and irritated, eczema (inflammation of the skin) can flare. Managing eczema involves keeping your skin comfortable and preventing it from getting irritated by avoiding triggers, as well as dealing with exacerbating conditions as they arise. Here are some tips to help skin feel more comfortable during cool season:

Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. Use mild skincare products. The best choices are the ones that are formulated for sensitive skin and don't contain alcohol.

Hot showers strip natural oils from your skin. You should spend no more than 10 minutes in the shower and keep the water temperature below 32 degrees Celsius.

Wear sunscreen and use a petroleum or beeswax-based lip balm to protect your lips

by thanisorn thamlikitkul, md

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul, MD, is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to info@romrawin.com. Her column appears twice a month on the Fashion & Beauty Page.

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