It happens to millions of women and men.  It's so frequent, in fact, that there's a billion dollar industry of "solutions" to the problem.  We're talking hair loss, and it's no laughing matter.

Normally, our hair grows in a cycle.  When hairs are in their growth phase, they are called anagen hairs.  When they are resting (not growing), they are called telogen hairs.  Catagen hairs are transitioning from growth to rest.  Anagen hairs grow for about 3 years on average (the range can be between 2-6 years).  The transition phase lasts about 1-2 weeks, and then hairs rest for 3-5 months.  They shed, and the cycle starts all over again.  At any given time, if you pluck a number of hairs from the scalp, about 85% will be in the growth phase and 10-15% will be resting.  Less than 1% will be in the transition phase.  We can tell this by the shape of the hair and follicle when it's examined under the microscope.

It's normal to shed 100-150 hairs daily.  Think about it- that's a lot of hair.  And even more so on days that you shampoo.  But sometimes, that number increases, and the hair starts thinning or revealing bald patches.  So let's look at some reasons why people lose their hair.

Pregnancy.  During pregnancy, the anagen (growth) phase is often prolonged and many women enjoy thicker, fuller hair.  On delivery of the baby, however, many follicles change into the telogen phase, and then are shed simultaneously, resulting in thinning/loss of hair 3-5 months after baby comes.  This process is known as telogen effluvium.  And it's one more reason to give your mom a hug-- she brought you into this world and then endured hair loss!

Iron Deficiency.  Low iron levels (seen in a blood test), sometimes caused by mensturation or gastrointestinal blood loss, can also cause a telogen effluvium.  Nutritional deficiencies are often treated with vitamin supplements and a varied, healthy diet. 

Thyroid Deficiency.  Variations in thyroid levels can often cause telogen effluvium as well.  Levels can be checked with a simple blood test.  Thyroid medications, usually monitored by an endocrinologist (doctor who specializes in hormones) can help. 

Medications.  Lots of medications can cause hair loss.  Drug-induced telogen effluvium has been reported with amphetamines, blood pressure medications (captopril, metoprolol), antipsychotics (lithium), retinoids (etretinate), and more.  Changing/discontinuing medications may help.

Androgenetic alopecia is another term for male-pattern and female-pattern baldness.  In this condition, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone affects the androgen receptor gene to cause hair loss.  There is likely a genetic component.  Men tend to show a receeding hairline with loss of hair on the top of the scalp.  Women tend to get thinning along the middle part of the hair in a "Christmas tree pattern."  Several treatments are available, such as minoxidil (both topical and oral), and for men, finasteride (propecia) is FDA-approved. 

Other conditions that can lead to hair loss include fungal infections, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or alopecia areata), psoriasis, bacterial infections, and syphilis.  Trauma to the hair from tight ponytails, frequent relaxer and hair color use, and overstyling can also lead to hair loss.  Often blood tests and scalp biopsies are useful to find the cause of the hair loss. 

At Premier Dermatology, MD, PRP is injected in the scalp for hair loss.  PRP stands for platelet rich plasma.  Your blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge.  The plasma separates from the red blood cells.  The plasma contains growth factors to help stimulate hair growth.  Dr. Bilu Martin injects the PRP into the scalp in a series of treatments.  For more information, call Premier Dermatology, MD at 305-521-8971. 

Dermatologists are expert in skin, nails, and hair, and can help!

Donna Bilu Martin, MD discusses what to expect at a full body skin exam at Premier Dermatology, MD.

Donna Bilu Martin, MD discusses laser and light treatments at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida.  Dr. Bilu Martin is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology. 

Although in South Florida we are super lucky and spoiled with beautiful weather during winter, many of us will travel up north to visit family and friends over the holidays.  With falling temperatures comes crisp white snow, the smell of firewood burning, holiday lights, and dry, chapped skin. Coming in from the cold and facing blasting heat doesn't help, either. So what's the best way to keep your skin in top shape? 

1. Ban the fragrance. Great smelling soaps mean dry, irritated skin. Look for body cleansers that are fragrance free and for sensitive skin, such as unscented Dove or the Vanicream lines of products.  For face, gentle cleansers like EltaMD foaming cleanser is excellent.    

2. At night, a rich moisturizer for the face is key for maintaining the skin barrier.  At Premier Dermatology, MD, we love Skinceuticals triple lipid repair. 

3. Repair: antioxidants are essential.  Skinceuticals CE Ferrulic or Phloretin CF and isclinical Active Serum both contain ingredients that help to repair and replenish damaged skin.  Ask us about them at pdmd!

4. Turn down the heat - in the shower, that is. Hot water zaps moisture from skin. Better to take a cooler, shorter shower.  When your skin is still damp from the shower, put on a moisturizing cream - not lotion. Again, no fragrance here either.

5. Special spots: slather Aquaphor on hands and feet before bedtime for extra moisturizing. Glycolic acid creams also help with extra thick rough patches. 

6. Pay attention to clothing, to: avoid dryer sheets and make sure detergent is also fragrance free. Wool clothing can be irritating to skin.   

7. Of course, remember that even though the weather is cool outside, the sun's rays are still strong. A broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least an SPF 30 and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide needs to be applied every two hours when outdoors. 

Keep your skin glowing all season long and happy holidays!

Ah, summer.  Beach days, cookouts, boat excursions, and outdoor sports.  It was a nice, long hot summer... and come September, it's time to work on some of the evidence of the season past.  Namely, brown spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and photo aging - on our faces, hands, and chests.  Also, the heat of summer can flare breakouts on our backs, which leads to scars and hyperpigmentation.  Thankfully, at pdmd, we have a way to combat these issues!

Chemical Peels are a great way to improve skin with minimal downtime.  And for the month of September, we are offering a special Glow-tox treatment!  This month, receive $50 off Vi Peels and Vi peel precision plus or $100 off Vi Peel Body with our aesthetician, Audrey. Immediately after, have a treatment with Dr. Bilu Martin where you buy 2 areas of  Jeuveau, get 1 free!

 

The Vi Peel contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, and vitamin C.  This peel is great for hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, sun damage, improves skin tone and texture.  It is safe for all skin types.  The Vi Peel Precision Plus contains a booster of hydroquinone and kojic acid for more stubborn hyperpigmentation.  The Vi Peel Body is great for sun damage on the chest, dark spots from acne on the back, or keratosis pilaris (bumps) on the arms.  Skin will peel for 3-5 days following the peel.  It can be done monthly. 

Jeuveau is a neurotoxin that is used to soften lines between the eyebrows, the forehead, and the crow's feet.  Results generally last about 3 months.

And then?  Radiant, healthier looking skin! 

Call 305-521-8971 to schedule your treatments with Audrey and Dr. Bilu Martin!