Looking for Hair Loss Treatment? Instant Consult Can Help
Not all types of hair loss treatment are created equal – medications tend to be more effective than supplements and herbal remedies.
If you are experiencing symptoms of male pattern baldness it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Medication is more effective when used early on – the more tresses you have lost the more difficult it will be to recover them.
Instant Consult connects you with an Australian registered online doctor who can diagnose you and send an online prescription for a hair loss cure to your local pharmacy for immediate collection, if deemed suitable.
It’s the perfect option for those who don’t have time to visit their GP.
What is male pattern baldness?
Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is a very common condition in which the lock growth process slows down to the point where the locks are so short that they hardly emerge from the follicle. This results in smooth patches on the scalp which, whilst generally not harmful, may be a cosmetic concern.
This condition tends to start at the sides and the crown of the head and spreads outwards over time. It affects around 50% of men by the age of 50 and over 80% by the age of 70.
What causes it?
Contrary to popular opinion, this condition is not caused by wearing the wrong hat, eating a poor diet or using the wrong shampoo. It is caused by a range of genetic and hormonal processes, usually hormonal changes associated with ageing.
Instant access to chat with a doctor with a comprehensive range of services
With Instant Consult, you can chat with a doctor and get help for a wide range of medical requests, all from the comfort of your home!
1
Medical Certificates
Are you too ill to come into work and need to give your boss a medical certificate? With Instant Consult you can chat with a doctor and get a medical certificate sent directly to your app’s inbox, all without getting out of bed!
2
Prescriptions
If you need a new prescription or need to update an ongoing one then you can use our app to instantly chat to a doctor who can prepare your prescription promptly!
3
Referrals
If you have a medical condition that needs treatment from a specialist, one of our GP’s can send a digital referral straight to your app’s inbox.
4
Pathology Requests
If you need a blood cell count or to check for STDs/STIs or need any other kind of bloodwork you can easily get a pathology request sent to your inbox by any of our fully licensed online GPs. You can then take the request to the clinic of your choice.
5
Radiology Requests
If you require any special kind of diagnostic imaging such as a CAT scan or an MRI you can get a request from one of our online GPs which you can then take to your preferred provider.
How is it treated?
Stimulating partial hair regrowth is the aim – total recovery of your locks once you have lost them is very difficult, if not impossible.
There is insufficient evidence to suggest that vitamin supplements and herbal remedies are an effective solution.
Several remedies have been proven to slow down or reduce the amount of locks that are lost, namely:
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) is a medicated solution that comes in the form of a lotion or foam which is applied to the scalp. It is typically available over the counter at your local pharmacy. It tends to be most effective when applied on the crown of the head. It was originally tested as a way to treat blood pressure problems when people noticed that it also worked as a hair loss cure.
It can take up to six months for results to show up and it should be used on an ongoing basis to retain the effects.
Side effects can include skin irritation and itching, swelling, sensitivity, hives and dermatitis. Less common symptoms include flushing, light-headedness, chest pain, blurred vision, headache, rapid weight gain, numbness or tingling.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral baldness cure that is available on prescription. This is a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor which works by suppressing the formation of DHT (a hormone which shrinks the follicles) in the scalp, thereby slowing down symptoms.
Like minoxidil, results may take six months or longer to appear. It comes in tablet form which should be taken daily for at least three months. If the pill stops being taken the effects will disappear.
Uncommon side effects include sexual dysfunction, skin rashes, swelling, headache, abdominal pain, back pain, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
Medicated shampoo
Medicated shampoos like ketoconazole 2% (aka Nizoral) and pyrithione zinc 1% can also be used to promote hair regrowth. They can be purchased over the counter but may be less effective than other medications.
Transplantation
Transplantation works by removing locks from a denser area of the scalp and grafting it onto a patchier area. Generally, the lower area of the back of the scalp is used for transplantation as it is more resistant to becoming patchy. Transplants can work by either removing a strip of skin from the scalp and grafting it onto another part of the scalp, or by transplanting individual locks (this avoids scarring). Transplantation tends to be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
Community of Doctors
Australian registered, fully qualified, insured and experienced Doctors right at your fingertips ready for an instant online consult
Conclusion
If you need a baldness cure, download the Instant Consult app and request a consult to speak with a registered online doctor in order to get the best solution for your needs. If suitable, your doctor will send a prescription to your nearest pharmacy for immediate collection.