In some cases, hair that looks thinner than usual may be no cause for concern. If you are genetically predisposed to have thinning hair, it is completely natural to lose some hair as you age. Thinning hair may also be due to an illness, such as alopecia areata, where the hair falls out in patches; or tinea capitis, which is ringworm that affects the scalp; says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Finasteride
If you suffer from male pattern baldness, your doctor may prescribe finasteride to stop hair loss. Finasteride, which is not approved for use in women, is a pill that helps to stop thinning hair and may help new hair grow. During male hair loss, testosterone is transformed into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink, says the Mayo Clinic. When you stop taking finasteride, hair loss will continue and any new hair that has grown will thin out again. Side effects of finasteride may include a decrease in sex drive, says the Mayo Clinic.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss medication that is approved for use in both men and women. The Mayo Clinic recommends minoxidil for treating both alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil helps to minimize hair loss and in many cases, new hair will begin to grow. It may take about 12 weeks for new hair to start growing. Side effects of minoxidil include irritation of the scalp. Consult a doctor if minoxidil has had little or no effect after about six months of use. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you stop using the medication.
Anthralin
The Mayo Clinic recommends anthralin for individuals suffering from alopecia areata. Anthralin is a thick, tar-like medication that is spread onto the hair and washed off each day. In some cases, anthralin can create new hair growth for sufferers of alopecia areata about 12 weeks after beginning treatment, says the Mayo Clinic. Ordinarily, anthralin is used to treat psoriasis, but may also be effective for other skin conditions, including hair loss. Anthralin is available by prescription and is available both as a thick cream or as an ointment that has a thinner consistency.
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