Thinning Hair and Hair Loss Secrets » interferon

Hair Thinning and Interferon

ths-admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:39:47 +0000

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 [...]

Thinning Hair and Hair Loss Secrets

Hair Loss Side Effect With Interferon

ths-admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:23:26 +0000

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 [...]

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