[ad_1]
You can soothe any tender areas by applying a topical corticosteroid lotion or ointment to your scalp, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, Dr. Lo Sicco says. Hydrocortisone 1% is available over-the-counter—anything stronger requires a prescription. For symptoms of extreme inflammation, including stinging and acne-like bumps around the base of the hair, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. Depending on the severity, they may recommend corticosteroid injections for additional relief, she adds.
4. Treatments for hair loss caused by harsh styling habits
Excessive use of intense heat (curling and straightening irons) and harsh chemicals (straightening and relaxing treatments are biggies) on your scalp and hair can put you at risk of developing a disorder called trichorrhexis nodosa, where weak points along the hair shaft cause your strands to break off easily. Underlying conditions, like anemia (iron deficiency) and hypothyroidism (an underproduction of thyroid hormones) can also trigger the disorder.
How to treat trichorrhexis nodosa
Start by nixing traumatic styling practices from your roster, Dr. Lo Sicco says, such as aggressive brushing (no teasing!), excessive heat styling, bleaching, and chemical hair straightening. If you don’t want to remove them from your life entirely, setting limits—like using heat once a week or less and spacing out relaxers as much as possible—can help to minimize physical stress on your hair without depriving you of your favorite ’dos, she adds.
Incorporating gentle, hydrating products into your hair care routine can also help strengthen your strands and improve texture. Dr. Lo Sicco suggests switching to a sulfate-free shampoo (sulfates are what make shampoo sudsy, but they can also strip hair of its natural oils) and following it up with a moisturizing conditioner to protect against further dryness and breakage.
If you make these changes and it seems like your hair didn’t get the memo (it’s still breaking off or appears like it’s not growing, for instance), it’s a good idea to, yep, see a dermatologist, Dr. Mitchell says. They’ll test for any underlying conditions that might be triggering trichorrhexis nodosa and help you put together a treatment plan.
5. Treatments for hair loss caused by severe dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that overreacts to organisms that live on the scalp—in this case, Malassezia yeast—and triggers itchy and flaky patches, as well as a rash that’s darker, lighter, or redder than the surrounding skin. When these flakes mix with the oil that’s produced by the scalp, they can clog your follicles and impair the hair’s nutrient supply, which ultimately weakens its structure.
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis
The most effective way to treat seborrheic dermatitis is by using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid. “Ketoconazole and pyrithione zinc are antifungal and anti-inflammatory, while salicylic acid is an exfoliant that rids the scalp of flakes,” Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, tells SELF. “Once the buildup of yeast is gone and the itching ceases, any lost hair should grow back on its own.”
There are plenty of OTC options to choose from, like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($16, Amazon) and Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo ($11, Target), but if you’re dealing with androgenetic alopecia in addition to major flakes, Dr. Lo Sicco recommends going with ketoconazole as your ingredient of choice (preferably, prescription-strength, which you can get from a dermatologist), since it also has anti-androgen properties. The treatment can be drying, though, so use it on your scalp only and wash the rest of your hair with your go-to shampoo, she adds.
[ad_2]
Source link