Hair Loss Awareness Month - cosmetic suregery news

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Aug. 12 -- August 2004 marks the American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) fourth annual Hair Loss Awareness Month, a campaign designed to raise awareness about the symptoms and treatment of hereditary hair loss. More than just a cosmetic issue, hereditary hair loss is a medical condition that affects 80 million American men and women.

"This year, the AAD wants to reach men and women who feel they are alone in their daily struggle with hair loss and who do not realize there are many treatment options available to them," says dermatologist Marianne O'Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Rush University in Chicago. "Oftentimes, it's simply a lack of understanding the early symptoms and remedies their dermatologist can offer that keeps them from seeking treatment."

While hair loss is a common dilemma for men in the United States, 30 million women -- or one in four -- also experience hereditary hair loss. Despite common myths, male and female hair loss can be inherited from both the maternal and paternal sides of a person's family tree. In addition to hereditary hair loss, less frequent causes for hair loss in women include stress, illness, medication, diet and pregnancy.

Besides affecting both genders, hair loss also affects all ethnicities. Therefore, a person's likelihood of experiencing hereditary hair loss is not predicated on race or gender.

About Hereditary Hair Loss and Treatment Options

Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is marked by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, causing a shortening of the hair's growth cycle. As the growth phase shortens, the hair becomes thinner and shorter. Eventually there is no growth at all. Because hereditary hair loss is gradual, the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of results.

There are several different treatment options for men and women suffering from hereditary hair loss:

* Minoxidil topical solution works on hair follicles to reverse the shrinking process and stimulate new growth on the top of the scalp. It is sold over the counter and is FDA-approved for use by men and women. Minoxidil is the only hair regrowth ingredient approved by the FDA for use by women.

* Finasteride, a pill taken orally, stimulates hair regrowth by blocking the formation of the active male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is FDA-approved for use by men and is available by prescription.

* Hair transplantation involves removing healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to the bald areas.

More information about hair loss and treatment options is available online at the American Academy of Dermatology Web site, www.aad.org , or by calling the AAD toll-free information line at 1-888-462-DERM.

About the American Academy of Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin.

This program is made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc.

***********

If You Found this Article Helpful You May Enjoy this article:

Australian Physicians Transplant Their Revolutionary Hair Transplant Technique to the U.S.
Woods Technique

Check out our extensive list of Cosmetic Surgery Educational Articles

and

Over 150 Links on Cosmetic Surgery!!

Wrinkle-Free Forever: The 5-Minute 5-Week Dermatologist's Program

Knowledge is Power. Information is How You Get It!

Anti-Aging, Wrinkle Treatments
FREE SHIPPING AND FREE SAMPLES WITH EVERY ORDER!! Strivectin, ddf Prevage, Kinerase, M.D. Forte, Skin Medica, TNS Recovery Complex...
HYLEXIN
Specifically developed to address the underlying cause of serious dark under-eye circles

Do you want to advertise on this site? Click for details...