February QoM

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I heard that if I have Male Pattern Hair Loss and if I start using Rogaine (Minoxidil), I will have to use it forever? Is that true, and why?

 

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Yes this is true. The main reason for this is that there is no cure for Pattern Hair Loss. The underlying cause is a genetic disorder, and as such would require gene therapy, which does not exist. The medical therapies that exist, including Minoxidil, only reverse the effects of the genes and not the gene itself. Therefore, if you do not continue using the Minoxidil, you will lose the benefits of keeping the regrown hair.

October’s QOM- What causes sores or cysts on the scalp?

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Greetings hair Doctor,. I recently shaved my hair bald due to hair loss. I’m experiencing painful sores or cysts on the scalp and they are tough to regrow patches. What should I do? I really want healthy hair.

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Hi there,
It sounds like you could be having Dissecting Cellulitis, a very stressful and painful scarring type hairloss with recurrent sores or cysts on the scalp. Sometimes these sores or cysts on the scalp can ooze when they form sinuses or tracts. When they heal, they form scars which prevents regrowth of hair. Hence why you say it is tough to regrow hair in the affected areas.
You may have to be on long term antibiotics or other medications to help stop the progress of the condition. The best thing to do is to go to a dermatologist in order to be examined and have tests done including  a scalp biopsy so that you can find out what is wrong with your scalp. A fungal infection of the scalp can present in a similar manner, which can be easily cured with a course of antifungal medication.  Once you have determined the exact cause of your #hairloss, then hopefully you can get the best treatment for your condition.
Here’s a link showing what Dissecting Cellulitis looks like:
http://dermnetnz.org/acne/scalp-folliculitis.html
Here’s an article by the British Association of Dermatologists detailing the management of the condition:
http://ow.ly/Tiaj4