Coping With Alopecia or Hairloss
It's amazing to observe both men and women get seriously bothered about their hair. How they spend reasonable amount of money and time thinking about the next style they would want to have on their next visit to their favorite hair salon or the latest treatments and maintenance of a beautiful and healthy condition of their hair. They engage themselves on these things to pamper themselves or to simply enjoy the sensation of feeling beautiful in the eyes of other people. Needless to say, how your hair looks is an important factor in your over-all appearance everyday. Indubitably, this is just one of the myriad of methods a man or a woman would try to take on to improve one's self-esteem nowadays.
So how annoyed do you get when you see your pillow full of hair strands when you wake up and you have to pick them out one by one? To see your hairbrush always thick of your own hair? Hair strands cause to clog your bathroom's water drainage because your hair just can't cease from falling when you take your bath? To accumulate countless strands when you sweep your floor? And when you arrive at the office, the first thing your officemates notice about you is your receding hairline or the thinning of your hair. Then you start studying your hairline at the mirror and you notice the changes. It's a disease called "alopecia" or in the layman's term "hair loss or baldness."
Specialists do get different reactions on alopecia. It importantly depends on how informed the patient is about the disease, its causes, possible effects of the same on persons, and the knowledge and acceptance of the probability of getting cured or not. Some experience social phobia, anxiety, and depression.
As for Maya Torres losing her hair caused by the inducement of chemotherapy medications initially added to her despondency. This 23-year-old fine lady, was just like any other typical femme sole that are quite conscious on how they would look like. Who would also likely take pleasure in pampering herself with the same method as mentioned above to boost up her self-confidence. But Maya is a young lad with colon cancer. She is fighting the battle the dreaded disease has against her for three (3) years now and still she has yet to taste victory. Maya was first diagnosed with Stage 2A colon cancer when she was a graduating college student in 2003. The malignant tumor that grown large in her ascending colon was removed through surgery on the same year. For two years after the surgery, she lived a normal life, graduated with honors, got a position as a legal secretary in a law firm and worked her way very well. One day she heard the bad news, the tumor had recurred and must be operated on immediately. Actually it was a prognosis, Maya's oncologist explained very well right after the first surgery that she had to undergo twelve (12) chemotherapy sessions to lessen the possibility of recurrence of the tumor. But Maya, a graduating student then, opted not to undergo chemotherapy, thinking about her academics. So she underwent second surgery but this time the tumor cannot be taken out completely due to the complexity of its location that might cause internal bleeding if the doctors ensued in taking it out completely. After the second operation, she and her family decided that Maya needed to undergo and finish the required twelve (12) chemotherapy sessions. And she did finish it after nearly a year and they tasted victory that would later turn out to be ephemeral.
Maya has lost approximately eighty-five (85%) percent of her hair all over her body including her pubic hair. At first, Maya was hesitant and awkward to take a look at herself in the mirror. It was painful for her to see her head almost without hair and they continue to fall. But now, she has learned a new way of approach on her condition - acceptance, patience and unwavering faith.
With sufficient and substantial information, any patient suffering from hair loss or alopecia could cope, draw back fear, accept, and alleviate their burden, thus putting their mind at ease, and in achieving so helps boost their immune system.
Hence, we should all learn more about alopecia, its causes, its different types, effects, preventions and remedies.
CAUSES OF ALOPECIA
Causes of alopecia are often related to aging, heredity, and hormones. Maya Torres's story is also an example, that is - medications for cancer chemotherapy. There are other several causes of alopecia, to wit:
- Don't be surprised if you noticed that you are losing a large amount of your hair about 3 or 4 months after an illness of a major surgery because this is said to be stress-related and your hair will eventually grow back.
- Hormone imbalance. E.g. Overactive or underactive thyroid gland; imbalance male hormones known as androgens or female hormones known as estrogens.
- Inducement of medicines like blood thinners (anti-coagulants); medicines used for gout, birth control pills, antidepressants, and too much Vitamin A.
- Fungal infections of the scalp; Tinea Capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
- It is important that you consult your doctor first before taking any medications relative to hair loss because such may be an underlying part of yet another disease like diabetes or lupus.
- Excessive use of shampoo, blow-drying, hot oil teatments or chemicals used in permanents which causes swelling of hair follicles that resul ts to hair loss.
- Emotional or physical stress
- Continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing which are considered as one of a person's nervous habits.
- Burns or radiation therapy
- Alopecia areata (see meaning below.)
TYPES OF ALOPECIA
In adult male humans, the most common form of alopecia is the continuous hair thinning condition called androgenic alopecia or 'male pattern baldness' while in adult female humans, the same condition is termed as alopecia androgenetica or 'female pattern baldness'.
Scientific studies also show that hair loss or baldness is a result of two factors: first, genetic background and second, large quantities of androgenic hormones which causes intense masculinizing effects throughout the body including testosterone. Therefore, when a female human specie has large quantities of such hormone, she develops virile characteristics such as baldness.
Alopecia areata is also sometimes referred to as spot baldness. It is a form of hair loss that usually starts from the scalp.
Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune disease -- any disease that results from an aberrant response of the immune system -- in which the body mistakenly treats its hair follicles as foreign tissue and suppresses or stops hair growth. It is hereditary.
When the condition spread tot he entire scalp, it is called alopecia totalis.
Alopecia universalis - refers to the entire epidermis.
Alopecia areata multilocularis - refers to multiple areas of hair loss.
Alopecia areata monolocularis - a condition of baldness in only one spot. Occurs anywhere on the head.
Alopecia areata totalis - is a condition when a person loses all the hair on the scalp.
Alopecia areata universalis - refers to the condition of losing all body hair including the pubic hair.
Alopecia areata barbae - is a disease limited to the beard.
EFFECTS
Effects can be psychological (anxiety, depression, social phobia, etc.) or physical. Patients may experience asthma, allergies, atopic dermal ailments, hay fever and hypothyroidism. Excessive exposure to the sun may also cause scalp burns.
TREATMENTS
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two-combination of non-surgical treatment: (1) Finasteride is a form of antiandrogen that works as inhibitor of an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone called type II 5-alpha reductase. It is used in may countries to treat 'male pattern baldness' or what is also termed as 'androgenetic alopecia'. Minoxidil is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, but some patients were noted to have excessive hair growth or what is medically termed as 'hypertrichosis'.
(2) Low-level laser therapy
(3) Anti Androgen Therapy
(4) Surgery
(5) Ketoconazole
(6) Unsaturated Fatty Acids
(7) Exercise
(8) Resveratrol - a substance found naturally in red wines.
FOR MORE NATURAL WAYS OF PREVENTION/TREATMENT
"Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps to produce healthy sebum (oil) in the scalp. Fish liver oil, milk, meat, cheese, eggs, cabbage, carrots, spinach, broccoli, apricots and peaches are rich in Vitamin A.
Vitamin C is another antioxidant that helps maintain healthy hair and skin. Citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables are rich in Vitamin C.
Vitamin E increases scalp circulation which is vital for hair growth. You can find this type of vitamin in wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds ad nuts, dried beans and leafy green vegetables.
Biotin is thought to help produce keratin, the building block of hair and nails. It is also thought that is vitamin may prevent graying (whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk).
Vitamin B6 is thought to prevent hair loss and help create melanin, the pigment which gives hair its color (liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolks).
Calcium is essential for healthy hair growth (dairy, fish, nuts, lentils and sesame seeds).
Copper helps prevent hair loss and defects in hair color and structure (shellfish, liver, green vegetables, eggs, chicken and beans).
Iodine helps regulate thyroid hormones. Thyroid disease is the number one cause of disease-related hair loss (fish, seaweed, kelp, iodized salt and garlic).
Manganese prevents hair from growing too slowly (eggs, whole grain cereals, avocados, beans, nuts, meat and chicken).
Silica prevents hair loss by strengthening the hair (seafood, soybeans, rice and green vegetables)."
An informed patient and his attitude towards his illness are vital factors in winning the battle.
-end-
Trichotillomania – Causes, Symptoms, Information with Treatment
Hair pulling can occur on any part of the body where hair grows. The most common area of hair pulling is the scalp. Hair pulling is divided two types focused pulling and nonfocused (or automatic) pulling. Focused pulling is an intentional act to control aversive feelings. Nonfocused pulling is generally a habitual type of pulling. Patients in dermatological clinics largely are in the latter group. Some patients show both subtypes of hair pulling together or with various overlapping behaviors. However, hair pulling also can occur on the eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic region, and any other area of the body with hair.
The alopecia that results from hair pulling can range from small undetectable areas of hair loss to total baldness. Pulling hairs from other objects or people: Occasionally, patients may engage in hair pulling or plucking from other people, pets, dolls, or other fibrous materials (eg, carpets). In trichotemnomania, a rare condition, the scalp looks like an alopecia totalis but all follicle openings are uniformly filled with hair material. The condition is an obsessive-compulsive habit of cutting or shaving the hair and is different from trichotillomania. Habit reversal training (HRT), a cognitive behavioral therapy, has been successfully used in the treatment of trichotillomania. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly given to improve symptoms. Prozac is a common SSRI. Drugs in this class given to treat trichotillomania in children include sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and clomioramine.
Causes of Trichotillomania
Common causes and risk factors of Trichotillomania
Serotonin deficiency:
Structural brain abnormalities.
Abnormal brain metabolism.
Psychological theories.
Childhood trauma.
Stressful events.
Neurochemical imbalance.
Signs and Symptoms of Trichotillomania
Sign and symptoms of Trichotillomania
Hair loss.
Increasing sense of tension.
Hair pulling leads to an uneven appearance
Bare patches or diffuse (all across) loss of hair
Hair regrowth in the bare spots feels like stubble.
Treatment of Trichotillomania
Common Treatment of Trichotillomania
Habit reversal training (HRT), a cognitive behavioral therapy, has been successfully used in the treatment of trichotillomania.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly given to improve symptoms. Prozac is a common SSRI. Drugs in this class given to treat trichotillomania in children include sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and clomioramine.
Cognitive behavioral treatment is increasingly being reported as more effective than the combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological therapy. The author recommends that dermatologists be familiar with the treatment.
Stimulus Control is a well-known behavioral treatment that in the case of trichotillomania, seeks to help sufferers first identify, and then eliminate, avoid, or change the particular activities, environmental factors, states, or circumstances that trigger hair pulling.
Low Back Pain & Sciatica – Will Massage Help?
Massage is a very commonly associated treatment for those suffering with Low Back Pain or Sciatica. However, how much of a role does it play with regards to getting to the cause of the problem?
I have been a physiotherapist for over 11 years now, and although I started out using treatments such as electrotherapy, mobilisations & manipulation, my emphasis now is very hands off.
This is because the majority of low back pain and sciatica problems are caused by muscle imbalances along with how we carry out our day to day activities (which themselves can lead to muscle imbalances).
Therefore, the aim of treatment should not be about applying electrical devices simply to reduce inflammation or pain messages to the brain (that's assuming these devices can achieve that anyway) or loosening up tight joints with mobilisations or manipulation, but rather addressing the cause of the problem which is resulting in the inflammation, pain and stiff joints in the first place. This is achieved by addressing any incorrect movement patterns which may have been adopted during day to day activities, along with an appropriate stretching and strengthening exercise programme.
What about massage?
If there are tight muscles or other soft tissues present, placing increased stresses across the low back and sciatic nerve, this will definitely be a potential cause of pain. Consequently, having a massage for those tight soft tissues will definitely help relieve the pain and tension present. However, if that is all that is done and the cause as to why these muscles and soft tissues are tight in the first place is not addressed, it is likely the pain will return sooner rather than later.
So am I suggesting that massage is not appropriate, as it does not address the cause of the problem?
Absolutely not. Massage, without doubt, can play an important role in the rehabilitation of low back pain & sciatica. It is probably the only 'hands on' treatment I use. The difference is, I use it in conjunction with an appropriate stretching and strengthening exercise programme, and not in isolation on its own as a treatment technique.
Therefore, if you are suffering with low back pain or sciatica and considering having some massage as treatment, my advice would be go for it, as long as you do not use it in isolation. It is important you also aim to address any muscle imbalance which may be present. Unless you do this, it is likely any relief you get will only be temporary.
Finally, it is crucial I mention one last thing. I would never carry out massage on someone who was in the acute inflammatory stage of low back pain or sciatica, where even the slightest of movements hurt and the subsequent increase in pain hangs around for some time. (I often use the analogy here of if you were to hit your thumb with a hammer and how sensitive your thumb would be afterwards!) If you were to have someone massaging your back during this phase, the chances are the only thing which will be achieved is increased pain & inflammation.
Pre-Departure Travel Planning
Make sure you're healthy before you start traveling. If you're embarking on a long trip, make sure your teeth are OK. If you wear glasses or contact lenses take a spare pair and your prescription. If you require a particular medication take an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally. Take the prescription or, better still, part of the packaging showing the generic rather than the brand name (which may not be locally available), as it will make getting replacements easier. It's wise to have a legible prescription or a letter from your doctor with you to prove that you legally use the medication to avoid any problems.
Health Insurance:
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a wise idea. There is a wide variety of policies available and your travel agent will be able to make recommendations. The international student-travel policies handled by Harvey World Travel and other travel organizations are usually good value. Some policies offer lower and higher medical-expense options but the higher ones are chiefly for countries like the USA which have extremely high medical costs. Check the small print. Some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities', including scuba diving, motorcycling and even trekking. If such activities are on your agenda then you don't want that sort of policy. A locally acquired motorcycle license may not be valid under your policy.
You may prefer a policy which pays doctors or hospitals direct rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later make sure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.
Check if the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.
Medical Kit:
It is sensible to carry a small, straightforward medical kit. A kit should include:
Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US) - for pain or fever.
Antihistamine (such as Benadryl) - useful as a decongestant for colds and allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites or stings and to help prevent motion sickness. There are several antihistamines on the market, all with different pros and cons (eg a tendency to cause drowsiness), so it's worth discussing your requirements with a pharmacist or doctor. Antihistamines may cause sedation and interact with alcohol so care should be taken when using them.
Antibiotics - useful if you're traveling well off the beaten track, but they must be prescribed and you should carry the prescription with you.
Loperamide (eg Imodium) or Lomotil for diarrhoea; prochlorperazine (eg Stemetil) or metaclopramide (eg Maxalon) for nausea and vomiting.
Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhoea; this is particularly important if traveling with children.
Antiseptic such as povidone - iodine (eg Betadine) for cuts and grazes.
Multivitamins - especially for long trips when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.
Calamine lotion or aluminum sulphate spray (eg Stingose spray) to ease irritation from bites and stings.
Bandages and Band-aids - for minor injuries.
Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines).
Insect repellent, sunscreen, chap stick and water purification tablets.
Cold and flu tablets and throat lozenges. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed) may be useful if flying with a cold to avoid ear damage.
A couple of syringes and needles, in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why they have been prescribed.
Immunizations:
For some countries no immunizations are necessary, but the further off the beaten track you go the more necessary it is to take precautions. Be aware that there is often a greater risk of disease with children and in pregnancy. Leave plenty of time to get your vaccinations before you set off: some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, and some vaccinations should not be given together. It is recommended you seek medical advice at least six weeks prior to travel.
Record all vaccinations on a International Health Certificate, which is available from your physician or government health department.
Specialists & Treatments For Childhood Cancer (Pediatric Oncology)
If your child is being treated you may see many different types of care providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and care assistants, as well as Child life specialists. Your child also may have a variety of treatments, depending on your child's form of cancer.
Different Physicians Who Work with Childhood Cancer
The term pediatric oncology - or childhood cancer - is a very vague phrase that covers many different areas. Your child may be seen by a specific type of pediatric oncologist, depending on what type of cancer your child has.
General oncologists treat patients who have a tumor that is not in the brain or bone.
Pediatric oncologists are needed if neuroblastoma, kidney cancer, liver cancer, or another "soft tissue" type of tumor or cancer is found.
Pediatric neuro-oncologists are physicians who specialize in different types of brain and nervous system cancers. Your child may see a pediatric neuro-oncologist if your child's form of cancer is in brain, spinal cord, or another part of the nervous system.
Pediatric orthopedic oncologists see children who have different types of bone cancers. These cancers can include osteosarcomas, Ewing's sarcoma, or another cancer in their bones.
Pediatric hematologists work with children who have blood disorders and blood cancers. Seeing a pediatric hematologist doesn't necessarily mean that your child has a blood cancer. These providers treat many children who have a blood disorder like anemia, hemophilia, or high white blood cell counts, but who don't have cancer. If your child has leukemia, he or she also may be treated by a pediatric hematologist.
Treatments for Childhood Cancer
The treatments and services your child may receive for his or her cancer depend on the cancer your child has. Some treatments are more appropriate for certain types of cancers.
Chemotherapy is the use of medications to treat your child's cancer. Your child may receive treatment as an inpatient or an outpatient. Your child also may receive this medication through a needle, through a pill, or as a liquid that they swallow. There are various side effects from chemotherapy. Your pediatric oncologist will discuss these side effects with you.
Radiation delivers certain types of ionizing rays (the radiation) to a targeted area. This type of treatment can be delivered to your child as an outpatient. Your child's oncologist may opt to use radiation and chemotherapy together to deliver more effective treatment for your child. Radiation therapy may be most effective for tumors and soft tissue cancers. It typically is not used for blood cancers or blood disorders. Radiation can be used for treatment or palliative care. Palliative care means that the radiation is being used to help with symptoms, but will not necessarily cure the cancer.
Stem cell transplants can be a successful treatment for some types of childhood cancer, including some forms of leukemia. The stem cells may come from your child, siblings, or donor cord blood. Your child will need to be hospitalized for the stem cell transplant. Some stem cell programs at children's hospitals offer various forms of assistance for families whose children are having transplants. This assistance can include dedicate units for the cancer patients, videophones, and emotional support.
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If you find yourself reading this and asking yourself the same question, why am I dizzy, you are certainly by no means alone. Dizziness is one of the top three reasons why patients visit their primary care provider, with headaches and back pain as the other two.
In the old days, you would receive a prescription for meclizine, generic Antivert, which does nothing to correct the ailment, and little to reduce symptoms. The drug actually makes you more dizzy and increases your likelihood of an unexpected fall, not only from dizziness, but also from decreased reaction time from the drug's CNS depressant effect.
We now have much better ways of remedying vertigo and dizziness problems, and they do not involve drug therapies. You cannot treat these types of disorders, (successfully, anyway) with drug therapies, as drugs only minimally affect the symptoms you are feeling, and do nothing to affect the real underlying problem. A correct diagnosis must be made prior to undertaking any treatment regimen, which then must be specific to the correct diagnosis.
With respect to the dizziness family of disorders, treatment must include neurologic and/or vestibular rehabilitation to have any chance of being successful. I should know. I run a successful balance center and I see a myriad of patients who have been unsuccessfully treated. Many are referred to me from their primary care provider, others, through former patients. Unfortunately, most of the latter group is largely made up of individuals who have been very frustrated trying wrong therapy after wrong therapy, all the while worsening.
My office has seen several patients who have suffered, some for decades. Needles to say, this can be most frustrating when you get better in a couple of treatments, as it is natural to angrily wonder, "why has no one sent me here before?" Well, I wish that I could answer that, but I can't. But I can suggest that if you find yourself reading this, you probably are concerned regarding a history of dizziness, or have a friend or a loved one who suffers from vertigo, dizziness or imbalance. If so, then this is your chance. I would urge you to reference my website for more information on the disorders, which is actually my area of subspecialty. Because of the overlap of brain-based disorders, my office successfully treats conditions including dystonia, ADD ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, etc. We have several pages of detailed information regarding all of these conditions and our remedies for them on my website. If you do not have access to the web, feel free to contact my office at 732 229-5250. We can help you to decide if this is right for you.
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