My seven year old has alopecia and when she gets stressed or sick has bouts of hair loss. Her form of alopecia is alopecia areata so she has hair loss in patches. School is getting ready to start here and she is nervous...can I take her to a salon and get a protein treatment to strengthen her hair? Any suggestions on products that will strengthen her hair? Thanks for your suggestions.
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? Alopecia areata is an auto-immune malfunction. This means that the immune system attacks its own follicles in a given area.
Stress can make matters worse, but protein will not help correct the auto-immune malfunction. The reason we know this, is that all the hair around the "patch" is usually healthy and strong, so you know that there is not a protein deficiency or all the hair would be effected.
There are a bunch of case histories successfully treated by a topical ( applied to the scalp ) product - Calosol - on:
http://www.calosol.com/alopecia_case_1.p...
Many of the cases shown are children - The one that has been covered by media articles is the same age as your daughter:
http://www.calosol.com/alopecia_case_7.p...
The trouble with treating AA in kids is that their school friends can be very cruel and tease. This adds to their stress.
A small patch can often get better with no treatment. This makes it difficult to know if the treatment being used actually helped or it was a spontaneous remission. The link I have given above shows reversals from scalp loss of over 75% which most medical experts agree does not tend to reverse itself .
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? protien will not help alopecia...it will only help the rest of her hair if it is damaged from color...if its too damaged too much protien will make it snap....just use a good conditioner and if you can see the missing spots of hair while her hair is down...put it in a ponytail until the hair grows back
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? I think that maybe you should consult with a dermatologist on what products you could use to help strengthen her hair.
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? i have this also and nothing will help it
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? Protein won't do a thing for the patches, nor help grow it back: Try this site: http://www.keratin.com/ad/index.shtml. I copied the treatment portion for you.
Alternative treatments
Once the classic treatments of dermatologists are exhausted a number of people turn to the use of alternative treatments. Some of these therapies are recommended by the more experimental dermatologists or by alternative practitioners. Usually very little is known about alternative treatments in relation to their effects on alopecia areata hair loss. Most alternative treatments are not reported in the medical literature. A wide range of alternative treatments are being used by people with alopecia areata. Their rate of success, if any, is unknown as no trials have been conducted. A list of alternative treatments reported to me is posted below for your interest but I make no claims to their safety or effectiveness.
1) Stress reduction. There have been anecdotal claims for success in remission of alopecia areata by using stress relaxation, hair massage and even monetary reward as a psychological influence (Putt 1994), hypnotherapy (Harrison 1991) and by acupuncture (Ge 1990). There is even a patent held on the treatment of alopecia areata by acupuncture (1994).
2) Aloe vera. Known for its soothing anti-inflammatory properties topical aloe vera cream and aloe vera in solution for oral intake has been used by some with alopecia areata in an attempt to reduce or remove the hair follicle inflammation. A quick look in the medical journal database for articles on aloe vera suggests that this plant extract contains a complex set of chemicals with the ability to suppress AND stimulate the immune system in a number of ways. There are reports on clinical trials, of varying quality, suggesting aloe vera may have a positive effect in wound healing, immune stimulation, anti-cancer and anti-viral effects. There is also a recent report on its use in psoriasis treatment. It doesn't look like we know much on how it works but aloe vera does induce nitric oxide production, probably from macrophages, and aloe vera contains superoxide dismutases. Both these substances have been implicated as possible simulators of hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. Aloe vera contains a potential anti-inflammatory mannose-6-phosphate. It contains acemannan which apparently stimulates macrophages to produce cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and acts as an antiviral by stimulating T cytotoxic cells.
3) Poison ivy. Poison ivy has been tried by one or two people. It is a potent contact sensitizing chemical. However, comments suggest that the results were not good. The dermatological contact sensitizers are a better bet.
4) Melatonin. Melatonin has been used by some people with alopecia areata. Melatonin seems to be the popular cure-all of choice at the moment but several reports suggest that melatonin could have quite adverse effects on people with alopecia areata. Overall, research suggests that taking melatonin may actually exacerbate alopecia areata if it is an immune mediated condition.
Melatonin is produced naturally in the pineal gland and the pineal gland is under serious investigation as one of the main organs involved in the process which converts environmental light changes into an endocrine response. In short, the neurohormone melatonin provides day length information to our bodies. In response to daily and seasonal light changes there is a detectable melatonin/circadian rhythm. Melatonin, along with norepinephrine and acetylcholine are suppressed by visible light exposure while cortisol, serotonin and dopamine levels increase. Subsequently there is a daily rhythm of melatonin production with build up during darkness and suppression of melatonin production during daylight. Melatonin build up after sundown can be dissipated by sleeping. The need for sleep after taking melatonin pills is believed to be our body's feedback response designed to control melatonin levels and stop the neurohormone from becoming too concentrated in our systems.
Melatonin has immunostimulatory/immunoenhancing properties. A high affinity receptor binding site for melatonin has been found on T helper lymphocyte cells providing a direct link between melatonin levels and immunosensitivity. Melatonin activates these T lymphocytes into production of cytokines and this cascade of chemical signals recruits other immune cells and makes them more responsive (Maestroni 2001). One of the key targets for melatonin is the thymus as the central organ of the immune system.
Melatonin treatment is being considered for its anticancer properties and for counteracting immunodepression that may develop during stress, viral infection, other drug treatments and aging. Corticosteroids have been shown to reduce the number and function of melatonin binding sites as part of their immunosuppressive properties (Poon 1994).
5) Sunlight. Some people with alopecia areata suggest simple exposure to sunlight can help hair regrowth. There may be some validity in this. At its simplest, sunlight includes UV radiation. UV light is known to reduce the numbers of immune cells in the skin. Indeed, UV light is regularly used in the dermatology clinic for treating psoriasis and alopecia areata. Of course UV light exposure also increases the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV light results in sunburn. This physical damage to the skin results in mild inflammation. Sunburn is effectively causing an irritant effect. Sunburn may act to promote hair growth in the same way as chemical irritants used in the dermatology clinic.
There are of course seasonal changes in daylight intensity and time period. With the reduction of daylight exposure in winter there is believed to be an overall increase in melatonin production and comparative decrease during summer months. Our ancestors may have needed this melatonin boost in winter to help protect us from the increased stress of low temperatures and lack of food. This would suggest a generally less responsive immune system in summer which may in part account for the seasonal growth and loss of hair some alopecia areata affected people experience.
We must also consider day length changes with the latitude of where we live. The autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis is more common in temperate latitudes - less so closer to the equator. One hypothesis put forward for this disparity is the immunosuppressant effects of sunlight mediated by melatonin. The overall reduced levels of natural light and intensity in higher latitudes may lead to higher levels of melatonin. Subsequently this may result in a more responsive immune system and make people more susceptible to development of autoimmune conditions (Hutter 1996). We don't know enough about regional variations in alopecia areata expression to know if there is a greater frequency in temperate latitudes.
6) Heat treatment. Excessive heat treatment may act much like sunburn. The physical damage to the skin will induce inflammation and promote hair growth in the same way as chemical irritants used in the dermatology clinic.
7) Zinc supplements. We might describe zinc supplements as a pseudo alternative treatment as zinc sulfate has been used in several treatment trials for alopecia areata. However, the trials were all conducted in Europe and mostly published in non-English language medical journals and this means the work is not widely known in the USA. Several analyses reports on zinc concentration in the blood serum of people with alopecia areata suggested a zinc deficiency. Some dermatologists, particularly in Germany and Russia, use zinc supplements in addition to other treatments. The belief is that the zinc acts as an immunomodulator and helps correct an imbalance in the immune system. Note that taking too much zinc is toxic and can have serious health consequences.
8) Mustard seed/Capsicum poultice. The use of these products to treat alopecia areata has been with us for a few thousand years. They are a simple method of applying an irritant to induce dermatitis and promote an inflammatory response. Despite being around for a long time these products have never been scientifically tested for their actual success rate in promoting hair growth.
9) Vitamin supplements/creams. Vitamins are important in hair growth and certain vitamins such as vitamin E are known to exert an immunomodulatory effect on the immune system. Some people have attempted to use topical or oral applications of various vitamins to treat alopecia areata. The actual effects on alopecia areata are unknown. There are no published studies on diet and alopecia areata hair loss. Note some vitamins are toxic in high concentrations. Vitamin overdose can in itself cause diffuse hair loss.
10) Asprin poultice. Asprin has an immunomodulatory effect. Asprin in solution has been applied to the scalp skin in an attempt to reduce hair follicle inflammation. The success rate has not been studied.
11) Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). DMSO is a hydroxyl radical scavenger and antioxidant. In theory it has the potential to protect cells from hydroxyl radical mediated radiation damage (Dod 1968). Neutralizing the hydroxyl radical reduces inflammation and may be the primary mechanism of action allowing DMSO to work in immune disorders. DMSO reacts with the hydroxyl radical (OH) to form a methyl radical (CH3) which is much less reactive than the hydroxyl radical.
DMSO may also be used as a carrier of drugs and other compounds through the skin. Low molecular weight compounds when dissolved in DMSO and applied to the skin are readily carried into the systemic circulation. In various trials, DMSO has been used as a carrier for antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents and essential fatty acids. The key side effect of DMSO treatment is the characteristic garlic-like smell of the breath. DMSO is metabolized to DMSO2 (dimethylsulphodioxide) and DMS (dimethylsulphide) in the body. The kidney excretes DMSO2 in the urine. The lungs excrete DMS, which gives breath a characteristic garlic-smell, that can last for up to 72 hours. Other side effects involve erythema, itching, and urticaria. Concern has also been expressed over the potential for DMSO to cause cataracts.
12) Homeopathic treatment. Your doctor will be able to tell you what form of alopecia you have. The clerk at your local health food store should be able to give you a good description of the principles of homeopathic remedies, and so can your local homeopathic doctor. Alopecia areata stemming from depression and stress is apparently typically treated with a homeopathic remedy called "Phosphoricum acidum" available at most local health food stores. Phosphoricum acidum in a 1x potency is used by taking 1 granule 3 times a day, and as soon as there is any hair regrowth the treatment is stopped. This is not a cure but a treatment. Alopecia areata is generally recurrent, but when new patches form, the treatment is restarted. Apparently it is important not to touch the granules. You put them in your mouth directly from the lid of the container, otherwise their medicinal qualities will be annulled. Sounds bizarre to me, but that is homeopathy for you.
13) Herbs. Chinese doctors often prescribe herbs for alopecia areata. A treatment literally called the "alopecia areata pill" or sometimes "Trichogen" is available from some Chinese pharmacists. The listed contents on a bottle I obtained are 20% Radix Polygoni Multiflori, 10% rehmannia glutinosa, 10% radix et rhizoma rehmannia, 10% radix angelicae sinensis, 10% radix salvia mittiorrhiza bge, 10% radix paeoniae lactiflorae, 10% fructus schizandrae, 10% codonopsis pilosula, 5% fructus chaenomelis, 5% rhizoma notopterygii. Apparently the key ingredient here is the herb Radix Polygoni Multiflori. This herb may also be known as "Fo Ti" or "Sho Wu".
14) Evening primrose oil (EPO), borage and black currant oil. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a source of omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA) as are borage and black currant oil. Black currant oil has a considerably greater concentration of omega-6 than EPO. There are reports on work using EPO, borage, and black currant oil in treating autoimmune conditions in humans or animals including, psoriasis, glomerulonephritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Overall, there does seem to be some indication that these oils have a mild immunosuppressive effect although the long term benefits have been brought into question. It seems that the active ingredients are the essential fatty acids. No one has truely identified what the specific product(s) is/are and the experiments could not be described as definitive proof in any way, although gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is most frequently mentioned. How it works has not been described in much detail but may have something to do with incorporation of fatty acids into cell membranes and the activity of products from fatty acid breakdown such as eicosanoids.
15) Flax seed oil, linseed oil, fish oil. Omega 3 is manufactured in plants such as green algae. It is popularly taken in the form of linseed oil or fish oil. Fish do not actually make these fatty acids. The fish eat algae and consequently accumulate high concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids. Some evidence is available about the beneficial effects of omega 3 fatty acids in diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and autoimmune conditions. Omega 3 has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been investigated for its beneficial effects in treating rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis. How omega 3 might work has not been investigated in detail, but it may revolve around its effects on arachidonic acid and eicosanoid synthesis.
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Aromatherapy
In 1998 double-blind study published in the Archives of Dermatology (Hay 1998) found that 44 percent of participants who massaged their scalps with a mixture of essential oils daily for seven months showed growth in bald patches. The tonic was composed of active essential oils described.
2 drops thymus vulgaris (88-mg)
3 drops lavandula angustifolia (108-mg)
3 drops rosmarinus officinalis (114-mg)
2 drops cedrus atlantica (94-mg)
and used the carrier oils:
jojoba oil 3-ml
grapeseed oil 20-ml (NOT grapefruit seed oil)
While the original paper gives only limited detail about the nature of the essential oils other scientists have given more detailed recommendation to keratin.com. There are several different "chemotypes" for the essential oils used in the original study. Specific recommendations include:
For rosemary : Rosmarinus officinalis CT cineole
For thyme: " sweet thyme " such as Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol or linalol or geraniol or terpineol (but never " red thyme " such as Thymus vulgaris CT thymol which is pretty caustic for the skin)
For cedarwood: Cedrus atlantica (which is not Texas cedarwood. Under this generic name, Juniperus species are safe, but never use Thuya species)
In the published study 86 volunteers with alopecia areata massaged oils into the scalp each evening for a minimum of 2 minutes; followed with warm towel wrap to aid absorption of oils for about an hour. Half of them received the complete tonic and half of them received the carrier oils alone as a control.
The results were that 19 (44%) of 43 patients in the active group showed improvement compared with 6 (15%) of patients in the control group (P = .008). An alopecia scale was applied by blinded observers on sequential photographs and was shown to be reproducible with good interobserver agreement.
The investigators concluded that the results showed aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. Treatment with the essential oils was significantly more effective than treatment with the carrier oil alone.
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? Alopecia starts from the scalp. Go to your salon and get a product called Nioxin. It has shampoo, conditioner, and even vitamins for hair growth and skin care. It is professional and guaranteed. I know it works.
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? I don't know that protein will actually do anything to make her alopecia better. Has her stylist tried a deep penetrating scalp treatment? This may help the healthy hair that she has stronger. I'd also suggest seeing her dermatologist and asking what some of your options are for her. If her hair loss is mainly on the top and in the middle, wearing a ponytail will make it less noticeable. Also, there are some really adorable hats, scarves and wraps to match almost any personal style these days. Try Wal-Mart, for starters. Have fun with it, I'm sure she'll really appreciate a day out with Mommy!
Will a protein treatment help my daughter's hair? flax seed oil (use it after shampoo - before conditioner)
sun flower seeds
Lycopenes TOMATOE HAIR TREATMENT ( but use a coinditioner cuase it can really dry hair ).
