HOMEOPATHY FOR MALE-PATTERN BALDNESS/ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness. Hair lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hair line recedes to form a characteristic ‘M’ shape. Hair thins, and lost at the top of the head, often progressing or complete baldness. It is a combination of hormones, and genetic predisposition. A similar type of hair loss in women, female pattern hair loss, results in thinning hair on the mid-frontal area of the scalp and is generally less severe than occurs in males.

Etiology

Male-pattern hair loss is an inherited condition, caused by a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, DHT, in some areas of the scalp.

Pathogenesis

Polygenic inheritance; variable penetrance. The hair follicles have increased numerous androgen receptors as well as increased activity of 5-a-reductase type II, leading to increased androgen sensitivity. Dihydrotestosterone also causes shift to telogen hairs. In female pattern hair loss, there may be an increased sensitivity to circulating androgen, as androgen levels are usually within normal limits.

Clinical features

Thinning of hair without scalp disease. Male pattern and Female pattern.

The presence of whisker hair at the temples may the first sign of this condition. The follicles produce finer, shorter and lighter or virtually unpigmented terminal hair, until a complete cessation of terminal hair growth results. Miniaturized hairs become increasingly evident, replacing coarser intermediate or terminal hair.

In males, the replacement of terminal by smaller hair occurs in a distinctive pattern that spares the posterior and lateral scalp margins, even in the most advanced cases and in old age. There is a recession of the anterior and bitemporal hairline, so that the forehead becomes high, followed by balding of the vertex. The loss is thus more noticeable at the vertex and in the bitemporal regions of the scalp. The rate of hair loss varies from person to person, depending on the hereditary factors.  

It has been recently suggested that bald men are more likely to have a heart attack and prostate cancer than with a full head of hair.

HOMEOPATHY MEDICINES

Homoeopathy today is a growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When Androgenetic alopecia is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

ARNICA MONTANA

Controls hair fall and promotes hair growth. Improve the blood circulation to the hair root. It enriches the scalp with nutrients which help to cure and control dandruff. It is a natural coolant, and hence prevents scalp disease. 

BARYTA CARBONICA

Hair falls from vertex and moustache. Baldness, especially on crown in young people. Scalp very sensitive to touch, worse from scratching and touch.

FLOURIC ACID

Falling out of hair after fevers.  Itching of the scalp. Brittle hairs.  Large patches entirely denuded of hair. New hair dry and break off. Often hair matts at the end. Baldness.

GRAPHITES

Falling of hair from sides of the head, and vertex. Hair falls out from beard, and eyebrows. Dry, tangled, matted or brittle hair. Bald spots.  Perspiration of scalp. Dandruff like milk crusts. Premature greying of hair.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM

Hair falls out from temples and vertex. Premature greying of hair. Hair falls off after abdominal affections. Hair falling in nursing mother. After parturition, with burning scalding, itching of the scalp. Hair falls out on getting warm from exercise during the day. Dandruff.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Falling of hair during pregnancy, and after childbirth. Hair comes out excess while combing. Falling off hair from forepart of head, moustache, temples, and beard. Scalp very sensitive. Face shining as if greasy.  Losing hair after acute headache. Dandruff on occiput.

PHOSPHORUS

Hair falls after mental emotion or sickness. Falling of hair in large bunches on the tufts, occiput, forehead, and on the sides above the ear. Round patches on scalp completely deprived of hair. The denuded scalp looks clear white and smooth. The roots of hair seem to be dry. Copious dandruff, fall out in clouds. Itching of the scalp.

SILICEA

Losing hair in bunches. Falling of hair after severe acute diseases, and nervous or hysterical headache. Falling of hair from the back of the scalp. Premature baldness.