More Than Skin Deep: The Intricate Link Between Drugs and Hair Loss

Drugs and Hair Loss: A Complex Relationship

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be a distressing condition for many people. While there are numerous causes of hair loss, some medications can contribute to this problem. The mechanism by which drugs can cause hair loss is often complex and can involve various factors.

Hormonal Changes:

• Antiandrogens: These drugs, used to treat conditions like prostate cancer or acne, can block the production of testosterone, a hormone that promotes hair growth.
• Birth control pills: Some birth control pills can cause hair loss as a side effect, especially in women who are sensitive to hormones.
• Thyroid medication: Imbalances in thyroid hormones can affect hair growth. Thyroid medications can help regulate these hormones, but they may initially cause hair loss as the body adjusts.

Direct Toxicity:

• Chemotherapy: Many chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss as a side effect. This is often temporary, and hair usually grows back after treatment is completed.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head or neck can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Immune System Suppression:

• Immunosuppressants: These drugs are used to treat autoimmune diseases, but they can also suppress the immune system, which can affect hair growth.

Other Factors:

• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can cause hair loss as a side effect.
• Blood thinners: Certain blood thinners, such as warfarin, can sometimes lead to hair loss.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like iron, zinc, or biotin can contribute to hair loss.

Freckles, on the other hand, are caused by an overproduction of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. They are not directly related to hair growth.

If you are experiencing hair loss, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. They can help you identify any medications that may be contributing to hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment options.

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Mclasma.. Large patches hyperpigmented specific structure appear on the face and are becoming more apparent exposure to the sun

Mclasma

Pretends wide spots hyperpigmented specific structure appear on the face and are becoming more apparent exposure to the sun and processes address the root cause and applied solar mounds and medicines can be used to de-melanin, namely:

• Hydroquinone attend cream 2% or 4%.
• Mitoxi phenol attend ointment.

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Hydroquinone is one of the substances that are usually prescribed by dermatologists to lighten skin blemishes. However, many people are afraid to use it, because they often hear about various side effects of the medication. In the end, is it a miracle against stains or a health risk? We interview dermatologist Samantha Enande to get all these doubts.

Hydroquinone: what is it for?

• Samantha explains that hydroquinone is an organic compound, a skin depigmenting agent for topical use - that is, to be applied directly to the skin.

• "Basically, it is a skin whitening treatment, depigmentation of spots, which can be used for freckles, age-caused spots or whenever there are dark spots on the skin," he clarifies.

• Samantha says that hydroquinone acts on melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, a substance responsible for skin pigmentation. "Hydroquinone blocks the production of melanin and increases the degradation of the cell bodies that store melanin," he describes. Another action of hydroquinone is the blocking of the action of tyrosinase, an enzyme that has a role in the formation of melanin.

• There are different grades of hydroquinone (1 to 5%), and the higher the percentage, the stronger the power of depigmentation.

Who can use it?

Anyone with spots on the skin that you want to get rid of can use hydroquinone, but remember: always under the supervision of a dermatologist. The substance, as stated, can cause allergies, burning and further staining the skin, so do not use on your own, or you can make the problem worse and put your health at risk. In addition, only the doctor can prescribe the appropriate amount of the product, how many times you should apply per day, the grade, among other specifications.
Contraindications: pregnant women, infants and children cannot use hydroquinone.

How to use it?

Hydroquinone can be used on any part of the body that has a spot that you want to lighten, being careful with eyes and mucous membranes. "Apply at night and do not expose yourself to the sun without sunscreen, it is useful for all depigmenting agents, especially hydroquinone," says the doctor.

Hydroquinone in the groin: can it?

The dermatologist says that hydroquinone can even be used to remove dark spots from places such as the groin or armpit, but that she would not recommend it for this use. «Hydroquinone is very irritating, we have less harmful substances for these regions. I prefer to recommend hydroquinone to the face, but nothing prevents it from being used in the groin or armpit, as long as none of the side effects described are present and used in the proper manner and prescribed by the doctor, ”he clarifies . There are other ways to clear up the groin and armpit, which are not as aggressive as hydroquinone.

How long does it take to clear the skin with hydroquinone?

«With a week of use, the place becomes reddish, after that, depigmentation begins. With two weeks, the appearance of the skin is already better and, in almost a month, already gives to decrease the use to two or three times in the week, explains Samantha.

Collateral damage:

However, hydroquinone to lighten the skin is not miraculous and harmless. «It is a substance that can irritate the skin, causing redness or contact dermatitis. In addition, hydroquinone is photosensitive, which means that, in exposure to sunlight, it can cause other spots on the skin and make the appearance even worse, ”says Samantha. The higher the degree of hydroquinone, the more irritating it will be to the skin.

Another warning made by the dermatologist is about prolonged use of the substance. "Some people end up presenting an excess of pigment, called ocronosis, it is a dark blue spot, almost irreversible and very difficult to remove."
There is also the risk of developing allergy to the product. "It really causes some discomfort, and some people end up having hydroquinone sensitivity, in these cases, we have to suspend use," he says.
To assess whether the patient is sensitive to the product, it is enough to apply it on a small portion of skin, in the area where it is desired to rinse or near it, and observe if it presents reactions such as excessive redness, inflammation or bubble formation. In this case, the use must be suspended. A slight redness is considered normal.

Does hydroquinone cause cancer?

Samantha says there are ongoing studies saying that hydroquinone can cause mutation in skin cells, offering the risk of developing cancer. "We cannot say yes or no, that is why there is research for the launch of new bleaches that replace hydroquinone, but all that is still being studied," he says.

Price and where to buy:

Hydroquinone can be manipulated, but there is already a hydroquinone cream sold in pharmacies. However, it is always recommended to consult the doctor to have the best recommendation. In pharmacies, the price of hydroquinone is variable. In popular pharmacies, the average is $ 20 a 30 gram tube.

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Reckless.. Injury with red hair or blond. Hyperpigmented points involve the face and hands exposed to the sun

Reckless

Brown spots on the skin, lentigines, freckles, or conversely discoloration, it happens that the pigmentation of our skin plays tricks on us.

These pigment spots are an unusual problem and if they are not a health hazard, they are sometimes a cosmetic problem for people who have them.

These conditions can affect people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Fortunately, it is possible to limit their appearance, remove them or at least reduce their appearance.

Here's everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation and depigmentation of the skin.

What is hyperpigmentation and depigmentation of the skin?

Let's start with a definition of melanin: it's the substance that gives skin its color. It is more or less concentrated, depending on the ethnic origin of the people.

When there is an overproduction of melanin in localized areas, it is called hyperpigmentation. We then see the appearance of small brown spots, which contrast with the lighter surrounding skin. These spots are usually found on the face, hands, neckline or arms. In short, in the places most often exposed to the sun.

Conversely, it sometimes happens that certain cells that produce melanin are destroyed, without our understanding the reason. This causes discoloration of the skin in certain areas, also called vitiligo. This discoloration makes certain areas of the face or body completely white (without any pigmentation). For more information on discoloration, see the section below.

Although skin pigmentation disorders are generally harmless, it is important to monitor the development of pigment spots. If they change color, size, or shape, you should see a doctor or dermatologist.

Types of pigment spots

There are different types of spots, which vary in shape and color. Here are a few :

There is solar lentigo or lentigine, which is also called age spots. These brown marks are linked to sun exposure and can occur at different ages. Thus, a person could have it from the age of 40 while for others, it will be at 60 or even never. Age spots are more a sign of skin aging from overexposure to the sun than a sign of aging itself.

Freckles, on the other hand, appear in childhood. These small brown or red spots, without relief, are more often present in people with fair complexion and blond or red hair.

Melasma, also called pregnancy mask, is characterized by brown pigmentation of the face. Its appearance is often linked to hormonal changes following the intake of oral contraceptives or during pregnancy. This pigmentation can diminish and even disappear completely. Note that sun exposure aggravates melasma.

What are the main causes of hyperpigmentation?

Excessive sun exposure is the main cause of skin hyperpigmentation. You should know that the production of melanin is also a defense mechanism against the sun's rays.

Also, when exposed to the sun, certain perfumes and medications can lead to the appearance of brown spots.

Skin trauma, such as scars, burns, skin with sunburn scars or acne spots, can also lead to sun pigment spots.

Hormonal and genetic changes are two other important factors of hyperpigmentation.

Skin discoloration

On the other hand, we can also see a depigmentation of the skin, or a discoloration.

Vitiligo, a skin disease, is usually the cause of the appearance of these white spots. It can be seen on the face, feet, hands and any other part of the body. In this case, it is the disappearance of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which is responsible.

People most at risk of suffering from vitiligo are those who have a family history of the condition or who have an autoimmune disease, such as alopecia areata or lupus. Vitiligo does not cause physical pain, but can cause great psychological distress in sufferers.

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