the baldness thread

[donniebrasco]

howdy,
male pattern baldness is obviously an issue with many members.
with the amount of products available, i think its about time a sticky thread is made as a source of reference.
im sure many would like this information.
so, i shall compile the information that i have, as i have researched the topic.
anyone want to help, im a busy little bee and this may take a while, any help would be appreciated.
a good place to start is with good suppliers of the products available.
arr, can supply the finasteride and dutasteride.
im currently using the finasteride from them.
topicals solutions, shampoo's, cream etc are available from;
www.wholesalehairproducts.com
www.minoxidil.com residents of the usa need a consulatation from dr lee, which is an easy online application.

The alopecia in MPB is caused by progressive miniaturization, rather than destruction of involved hair follicles. In affected follicles, the percentage of hairs in telogen is increased and the duration of anagen is decreased. As a consequence, there is relatively more shedding in areas affected by MPB. Since vellus and intermediate hairs have a short anagen phase, they will shed frequently. There can be permanent hair loss because the replacement hair shaft is finer in texture and lacks the same volume.

[donniebrasco]

MINOXIDIL - used to promote hair growth

Minoxidil is a vasodilator and was originally used as an oral drug (loniten) as a treatment for high blood pressure. It was discovered to have an effect on hair growth. The upjohn corporation received fda approval to market a topical solution in the 1980’s, that contained a 2% minoxidil to be used to treat hairloss.
Minoxidil is applied topically to the scalp. It has been shown to promote hair regrowth in about 25% of users.
Minoxidil should be applied twice a day, morning and night.
It is recommended that the user should continue the use of minoxidil permanently, as once use is stopped any hair regrowth may be shed within a few months of the products use being ceased.
For the same reason minoxidil promotes hair growth, it can also cause shedding. The effect of minoxidil on the hair follicle can cause the hair that is in the telogen phase to prematurely shed.
Minoxidil is available in a variety of strengths, 2%, 5%, 12.5% and 15%
In addition to minoxidil the are a variety of additives that can be combined into the solution


AZELAIC ACID -used to inhibit androgen and DHT molecules at the scalp itself

Many medications have been developed which will decrease the amount of DHT in the scalp. Topically applied azelaic acid has been proven to be the most effective inhibitor of DHT synthesis in the scalp. A topical 5% azelaic acid solution will reduce the amount of DHT in the scalp by greater than 98%
Azelaic acid has been proven to inhibit up to 100% of dht where applied.
It is used as an acne medication.
Approximately 4% of topically applied azelaic acid is systemically absorbed and mainly excreted unchanged in the urine.
The half-life is approximately 12 hours after topical dosing.
The most common adverse reactions occurring in approximately 1-5% of patients were burning, stinging and tingling, usually at the start of treatment and may last 5 to 20 minutes, especially if the skin is inflamed or broken. The adverse effects commonly subside if treatment is continued.


RETINOIC ACID / RETIN-A - used to promote hair growth
Retinoic acid / retin-a used in conjunction with minoxidil has been proven to regrow hair at a faster rate, than when using minoxidil alone.
It can increase the absorption of minoxidil through the skin.
Retinoic acid is used as an acne medication.
Retinoic acid may cause irritation, and flaking of the scalp. Retinoic acid can be used as a chemical peel and higher percentages.
It is advised that the user should acclimate themselves to retininoic acid, by applying 1 night during the first week, 2 nights during the second week etc.
The users sensitivity to retonioc acid varies. As a rule, the fairer the users complexion the more severe the initial irritation.
Although since retinoic acid is used as a chemical peel, almost all users will have some initial reaction.

SPECIAL NOTE: The use of retinoic acid is not recommended for patients who are using Accutane for symptoms associated with acne.