Avoid   Baldness

Researchers have discovered a gene variant apparently responsible for causing baldness in females.

Scientists at St. Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne discovered the gene variant following studies carried out on the DNA of around 500 women suffering from hair loss. The discovery was reported in The Age recently. The study was carried out amongst women all aged between 18 and 65 who had only around 50% of their hair on their scalp.

Tests carried out on DNA of a control group of women who did not suffer from hair loss indicated the presence of a variant called ESR2 or Oestrogen Receptor Beta, which is a gene that made hair follicles even more sensitive towards the oestrogen levels in the body.
The link between ESR2 and hair loss was extremely strong in women aged over 40 years. Women who did not suffer from baldness showed the same gene, but with a different variant - which was not affected much by levels of oestrogen.

The head of this particular research, and also St Vincent’s Professor of Dermatology - Rod Sinclair stated that thickening of hair is noticed amongst women especially during pregnancy, whereas loss of hair is experienced once the baby is delivered and also during the period of breastfeeding. During these periods in their lives, the level of oestrogen is fairly low, causing hair loss. The same applies for menopause as well.
He also spoke of the practise of hormone replacement therapy taken to combat hair loss. Professor Sinclair stated that contrary to the popular belief that it would aid hair re-growth, he said hormone replacement therapy does just the opposite.

The findings of the study are to be presented in Cairns next month at the World Congress for Hair Research.

Botox is popularly known for busting wrinkles and for other anti-aging treatments. What you probably did not know was that Botox can also be used to treat hair loss problems. According to a study carried out recently, Botox plus a custom vitamin cocktail, when injected around twice or thrice a year could actually cure hair loss.

These injections, administered to the scalp could possibly be effective hair loss treatments and might even be able to cure baldness. This treatment has been tried out and tested by Dr. S. Ourian, Medical Director of Epione, Beverly Hills for around three years or so. His testing was carried out on patients who volunteered to try out the treatment, and Dr. Ourian says he is confident regarding the effectiveness of the injections and will be offering it to his patients.

The brand new hair loss treatment has the same side effects as getting Botox injections. These include bruising, pain and temporary swelling. The cocktail of vitamins added along with the Botox injection helps to stimulate the growth of hair. The vitamins help to improve the scalp area, provides nutrients to the tissues surrounding the hair follicles, reduces tension in the scalp and thus helps to improve the blood flow.

Baldness takes place when your hair follicles shrink so much that they can no longer generate new hair follicles. Hair follicles regenerate once every two to six years - making baldness a slow process. This probably explains patchy hair loss.

Apart from getting Botox injections, there are other hair loss treatments as well. One route of treatment that you can take includes resorting to prescription medication. This will mean taking drugs such as Minoxidil or Finasteride.

Hair loss in kids is not as common as that found amongst adults, but can be far more serious. Most cases of hair loss in kids involve the hair growing back on its own in time. To encourage hair growth, synthetic ointments and even topical steroids are used. Instead, try to opt for treatments that are more natural - in order to combat hair loss in kids. If the hair loss continues, then it would be a good idea to refer a medical professional for some expert advice.

Contrary to popular belief, hair loss in children has nothing to do with cancer. While radiation or chemotherapy does cause hair loss, it is not the cancer itself that is responsible for it.

Tinea Capitis which is better known as ringworm of the scalp is one reason that causes hair loss in kids. It is a fungal infection which affects the scalp and is contracted via the use of shared combs, towels, etc. This kind of infection is not really life threatening, but causes a fair amount of hair loss in kids.

Another kind of hair loss experienced amongst kids, especially girls is called traction alopecia. This can happen if the child’s hair is always tied up in tight braids or ponytails. Hair loss is mostly experienced from the sides and front part of the scalp.

Overuse of shampoos and hair products can also cause considerable damage to a child’s hair. The same applies to constant brushing, blow drying and even combing.

Some children tend to constantly tug on their hair, and end up pulling it out, which sometimes causes a patchy kind of hair loss. This is brought on by stress, mostly emotional.

A new study shows links between a gene and a very rare condition which develops ‘peachy fuzzy’ hair, which could possibly provide a lot more information into baldness, especially in males.

The co-author of the study, Angela M. Christiano, Director, Center for Human Genetics, Columbia University says the new finding might not mean an immediate new cure or treatment for baldness, but it is just a tiny bit of information that might help solve the problem. She said that the new information gives researchers more insight into shrinkage, which is one part of male pattern baldness.

Baldness in most cases does not mean that hair stops growing altogether. Instead, hair growth is much lesser, and the hair that grows is very fine and short - which is almost like the fuzz on a peach. This means that the hair follicle is not dead, and functions to some extent - having the potential to grow some kind of hair.

This exact problem is also part of a rare disease - hereditary hypotrichosis, which begins right from birth.

The study conducted by Christiano and other researchers involved them scrutinizing the genetic makeup of three families who had inherited hereditary hypotrichosis. During the research carried out, the team of researchers found a gene which showed a mutation responsible for the rare condition.
Named APCDD1, the gene is situated close to chromosome 18 which in other studies shows a connection to hair loss. It also seems to block a pathway that has been proven to control the growth of hair in mice, but has not been linked too closely to humans.

Almost 2 million children in the US are affected by hair loss every year. The good news: 60% of them can be treated. However, just in case your child falls into the other 40%, here is some must-know information:

Tinea Capitis - this is also known as ringworm of the scalp. Caused by a fungal infection, it affects the skin on your child’s scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. The ringworm destroys hair follicles, which is what causes the hair loss. A common cause of this affliction is a minor bruising of the scalp, which leads to infection. If your child has Tinea Capitis, ensure that other children do not come into contact with him, as it could get transferred. Ensure that they do not share their hair brushes, combs, pillows or towels as well.

Alopecia Areata - this is the same form of hair loss that adults encounter and it could affect your children as well. Immune disorder is the main cause of Alopecia Areata and could cause your child to develop bald patches. However, the scalp will be unharmed and you will not find any inflammation or scaling. Underlying reasons for this are hyperactive disorders, nervousness, psychological stress and certain food items as well. Alopecia Areata is also hereditary.

Traction Alopecia - this is hair loss that affects only girls. It is caused by various hair styling techniques which tend to ’stress’ hair. Tight ponytails, curling, teasing, blow drying and bleaching all cause traction alopecia. This is best remedied by changing your child’s hairstyle to one that puts less stress on the hair and scalp.

Trichotillomania Hair Loss - this is referred to hair loss experienced when children pull their own hair out. This is done out of stress, nervousness or even a psychological problem. First try and help your child deal with his/her emotions. If they are small, then try oiling their hair, which will make it harder to get a grip on their hair. You should also consider taking your child to a psychiatrist.