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Valencia D. Thomas, MD
The Doctor Is In
Hair loss, growth not just genetic
By Valencia D. Thomas, M.D.
Q. What should women know about the effects of medication on our hair?
A. In general, a healthy body makes healthy hair. Prescription medications that are necessary to maintain health (like cholesterol, thyroid, or diabetes medications) may prevent hair loss by keeping the body in a state of good overall health. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter topical solution that has been proven to increase the growth of hair. Over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements may fortify or increase the growth of hair, but these claims are not tested in the way drugs are tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Occasionally, however, medications may contribute to different types of hair loss. One of the most common forms of hair loss caused by medications is a condition called telogen effluvium. This temporary condition causes the loss of full strands of hair on the scalp or body within three to six months of a major health stressor. Medications, pregnancy, illness, the loss of a loved one, or surgery are all possible triggers for this condition. This type of hair loss lasts as long as whatever caused it, and is it improved by addressing the underlying condition.
A different type of hair loss called anagen effluvium may occur within two weeks of beginning chemotherapy. This condition is characterized by the loss of full strands of hair from the scalp and/or body. The hair usually grows back after the medication therapy is complete. Medications also may cause increased hair breakage, which is usually noticed two to three months after beginning a medication. If you suspect that a medication may be contributing to hair breakage or hair loss, consult your physician. It is important to discuss your condition with your physician prior to stopping any prescription medication. If the medication in question is a nutritional supplement or an over-the-counter medication that is optional, you may be able to obtain more information about the drug from your pharmacist.
Q. What advice would you give women using medicated shampoos at the hair salon?
A. Scalp flaking and scalp itching are some of the most common reasons for the use of medicated over-the-counter shampoos. Multiple conditions may result in scalp flaking, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (skin inflammation and scaling commonly located on the scalp, around the ears, in the ear canals, next to the nose, or in the eyebrows), or psoriasis (a chronic skin condition characterized by red plaques and scale). These medicated shampoos act to decrease inflammation, reduce scale, or both. Salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole and tar are only some of the active ingredients in medicated shampoos. When using medicated shampoos, it is important to know what is being used, why it is being used, and when to expect improvement. If the scalp symptoms continue after improvement should have been noted, you may want to consider changing shampoos or being evaluated by a health care professional. Keep in mind that a potential side effect of the use of medicated shampoos on chemically processed hair (relaxed, permed, or color-treated hair) is increased hair dryness and breakage. If this occurs, consider using a moisturizing conditioner after using a medicated shampoo or washing the hair with a moisturizing shampoo after using the medicated shampoo.
Dr. Valencia Thomas was recently appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine. She is also an Assistant Professor in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology in the Section of Internal Medicine.
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