DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS INDUCED HAIRLOSS

DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS INDUCED HAIRLOSS   

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Alopecia  from  drugs  is  usually  considered   as  a  reversible  diffuse  non  scarring  hairloss that  occurs  within  days  to  weeks  of  starting  a  new  medication  or  changing  the  dose. In other  terms  we  can  say  that  medication  is  designed  to treat various  health  conditions but sometimes  they  can  have  unwanted  effects  contributing  to  changes  in  hair color or texture  or  even hair loss. Medicines  basically  cause  hair  loss by  interfering  with  the  normal  cycle  of  hair  growth  which  are  Anagen phase,  Catagen  and  Telogen  phase.

The  development  of  hairloss  and  the  severity  depends  both  on  the  drug  and  on individual   predisposition.  The  severity  of  medication - induced  hairloss  depends  on  the  type  of  medication  and  dosage  as  well  as  your  sensitivity  to  that  medicine.  Medications  can  lead  to  2  types  of  hairloss:-

• TELOGEN  EFFLUVIUM-  is  the  most  common  form  of  medication  induced  hairloss   which  usually  appears  within  2 to 4  months  after  taking  the  medication. This  condition  cause  the  hair  follicles  to  go  into  their  resting  phase  and  fall  out  too  early. 
• ANAGEN  EFFLUVIUM- is  the  hairloss  that  occurs  during  the  anagen  phase  of the hair cycle,  when  the  hairs  are  actively  growing,  it  prevents  the  matrix  cells  which  produce  new  hairs,  from  dividing  normally . This  type  occurs  usually  within  a  few  days  to  weeks  after  taking  the  medication. It  is  commonly  seen  in  people  taking   chemotherapy  medications  and  is  often  severe.

Medications  causing  hairloss  can  be  categorised  under:-

1. Acne  Medications
2. Antibiotic  and  Antifungal
3. Chemotherapy Medications
4. Cholesterol  lowering  medications
5. Antihypertensives
6. Anticonvulsants
7. Steroid's
8. Mood Stablizer's
9. Thyroid Medication.

How can be Treated?

It is important to review any medications you take and discuss their potential side effects with your doctor. when hair loss occurs from a medication you are taking,there is a good chance that the hair will grow back on its own after you stop taking it. If stopping the medication does not help you grow back your hair then you need to be treated with a medication that stops hair loss and can stimulate new hair growth.