About 50% of men in the US actually experience baldness as soon as they reach the age of 50. This is mainly the reason why companies manufacturing drug treatment for baldness actually earn about $1 billion per year. These types of treatment started to gain popularity in the 80s and remain to be the most-favoured option among others.

The development of these drugs, whether taken orally or applied directly on the affected area, sprang from the discovery of the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on baldness in men and women. These drugs aim to inhibit too much production of DHT on the hair follicle or at least stop it from having an influence on various scalp receptors.

Further studies are being done to develop more and more treatments for baldness and this is often provided with generally good funding from government or other sectors of society. It is a common area of interest because of the number of people it can potentially affect.

There are also several products in the market that aim to prevent falling out of hair in the first place. These products are based on the idea that it is always easier to prevent rather than cure an already existing condition. Often times, it takes a while to let hair grow back. In severe cases as well, just like in the case of scarring alopecia, baldness cannot be reversed any more. Thus, it is always best not to wait for the condition to be there before doing something.

The most commonly heard treatment for baldness is Minoxidil. Originally, it is an oral drug to cure high blood pressure. However, those who have taken it noticed that hair also grows back which were further supported by studies. Thus, from then on, Minoxidil has been added in various formulations to promote hair growth. Around 25% of people who use it can attest that hair really grows back. In general, it is in the form of a topical cream which is applied directly on the scalp. Some shampoos also have Minoxidil and this will be ideal for baldness prevention.

Posted under Baldness