Why Does Interferon Cause Hair Thinning and Hair Loss?
I was wondering about the effects that an Interferon course had on the head hair thinning and loss and came across this explanation and recommendation for hair care. I can’t remember where I found it originally, just that I stored it on my hard drive… I think the source is in the references at the bottom.
“Interferon affects the hair follicles and changes the texture of the hair, thereby making it more sensitive to breakage. Hair loss, which has been described as a possible side effect of treatment with interferons,(1) occurs by one of two mechanisms. First, loss via a shearing or friction effect at the scalp level (often during sleep as the hair moves across a pillow) is caused by the weak, brittle nature of hair changes. ”
“Second, loss can occur via a spontaneous release of the hair from the follicle, leaving the follicle empty, which is usually seen with vigorous shampooing or brushing. Alopecia is frequently observed when therapy is continued for longer than 3 to 4 months, and is characterized by thinning and slight-to-mild hair loss. It appears to be the most common cutaneous reaction associated with interferon alfa treatment.(2) Alopecia may become more pronounced when interferon is discontinued and may continue for 1 to 3 months.(3) In general, alopecia associated with interferon is reversible. In some patients, hair regrowth occurs during treatment continuation.(1)”
“Total revealed alopecia is seen more often with high-dose interferon or long-term interferon maintenance therapy. Thinning, often [...]
Tags: hair thinning, interferon, male pattern baldness, total revealed alopecia
Hair loss is common with Interferon
It is difficult to give you a exact percentage of patients who experience this problem but it is one of the side effects that patients are warned about. You also have to appreciate that the severity of this side effect varies enormously form patient to patient.
Experience with hair loss (alopecia) associated with interferon or combination therapy, a couple of points stand out. One is that patients tend to feel their hair loss is more noticeable than individuals around them. In addition, the hair typically grows back. Patients on interferon may also be evaluated who have hair loss for thyroid dysfunction because thyroid problems are seen with interferon and they can cause hair loss. Finally, if patients are very bothered by the hair loss, occasionally it is suggested they consider ‘Rogaine’ (topical minoxidil) though the effectiveness of this varies considerably from one person to the next.
Thinning
Thinning hair or change in hair texture sometimes occurs. This may begin after the first few months of interferon therapy. It does not generally represent complete loss of hair, rather some people notice an increased amount of hair in the shower drain or loss while combing or brushing. Hair returns to normal after the course of interferon is discontinued. However, whatever part of hair loss in men is attributable to male pattern baldness is gone for good.
Some people experience hair loss as a side effect of interferon, but it doesn’t always happen. It may range from a slight to moderate [...]
Tags: Hair Loss, hair loss nioxin, interferon, NIOXIN
A new report on hair loss. It’s called:
“How to Have Healthy Hair – At Any Age”
You will discover:
* The one ingredient that you are probably not having enough of (this is so simple and yet so overlooked)
* The two types of hairstyles that can spell disaster for the health of your hair. Are you styling your hair like this too?
* The one type of nutritional supplement that can actually HURT the condition of your hair – You have to make sure that you never take it. Ever again.
* Why the typical North American and northern European diets have been linked to baldness. If you use any of their dietary habits, you need to read this…
* Long ago, sheep farmers observed that vegetation poor in this substance (due to depleted soil) would adversely affect the wool of sheep. Recent discoveries have shown that this substance could be really beneficial to human hair growth as well!
* How to make Black hair more manageable — without having to use “commercial relaxers” on your head…
* Why many women suffer hair loss and an increase of facial hair after the onset of menopause. And what to do about it… (Hint: You can use something consumed in the “Eastern” Civilizations).
* How to correctly shampoo your hair (yes, there is a right and a wrong way!). Just this tip on the water temperature could get you on the fast track to stronger hair…
* Alopecia areata and psoriasis: What they are and what to do if you suffer [...]
Tags: alopecia areata, baldness, Hair Loss, hair loss tips, hairloss, healthy hair
How to cope with hair loss from Alopecia Universalis
Listen to this audio>>>: Coping with Alopecia by Dr Nigel Hunt
[ad#Ad-plus-sense]Dr Nigel Hunt’s best friend was killed in a car crash nearly 14 years ago
He was so traumatised that his hair began to fall out.
This caused real problems in his relationship with his partner, who found it impossible to come to terms with his hair loss. In fact, she couldn’t even look at him.
Over a period of about 5 months Nigel lost the hair on his head (including his eyebrows and eyelashes) and on the rest of his body, a condition called Alopecia Universalis. He has now written a book on the subject.
Martha talks to Dr Nigel Hunt and to Becky Parker about how they cope with alopecia.
Coping with Alopecia by Dr Nigel Hunt and Dr Sue McHale published by Sheldon Press
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Tags: alopecia universalis, coping with alopecia, hair loss audio, men's hair loss, Thinning Hair