Every day, we see several people, who have lost their self-esteem and confidence, because of their hair loss and balding. However, with so many new methods being innovated each day and numerous medicines being discovered, there is always hope.
In a recent presentation, Kenneth J. Washenik, MD, PhD, the clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Medical Center informed the world about quite a few new developments. He was making this presentation at the annual conference of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Some of the medical advances and treatments that he spoke about, included:
A. Finasteride & Minoxidil have been given the nod by FDA and these have become the first line of therapy for treating any hair loss in men. In women, there are also certain other hormonal treatments which have shown great results.
B. Latisse: Latisse, started out as a drug used for growing eyelashes, but now is being seen as a possible option for hair regrowth as well. This FDA approved medicine has been used to regrow eyelashes, but the medication is not strong enough, as of now, to penetrate the scalp. However, studies are underway, and with an improved version, there is hope to restart the cells in the scalp, to promote the growth of new hair.
C. Cloning: There were also talks about cell-based hair follicle regeneration, wherein the cells which are found around each hair follicle are taken out and nurtured in a controlled environment. However the human trials are yet to field any result. However, Washenik was of the opinion that the best options would be combination treatments. So, there is hope and more than just a light at the end of the tunnel!