Suggest Remedies For Severe Hair Loss In A Teenager

Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Sir my son just 13 yrs old is suffering from hairloss for the past one year.He has a receding hairline.His hair has become thin.I guess he is having Androgenic Alopecia. I too have this problem and I am taking Finasteride and Minoxidil. what can be done to retain his hair and to prevent his hair loss. Please advice me. He is worrying a lot

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Minoxidil and Finasteride tablets

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have understood your concern.

Androgenetic alopcia can start at any time after puberty. The goal of medical treatment is to slow down further progression of alopecia and as well as regain lost hairs to an extent.
He too can use minoxidil 5%solution, 1 ml twice daily and take finasteride tablets.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

Sir he is just 13 yrs old.Can he take Minoxidil and Finasteride at this age.Will there be any side effects. Is there any potential risks in taking the medication and how long can he take this

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He can take these medications

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, he can take these medications. They are FDA approved medications for this indication i.e androgenetic alopecia. These medications are mostly devoid of side effects. Rare side effects include transient decrease in libido(reversible on continued therapy) and a rare possibility of male breasts (gynecomastia) on long term finasteride use. Minoxidil can cause some dryness/ scalp flaking. For that he may use an antidandruff shampoo e.g Nizral shampoo, daily or alternate days. Ideally the treatment needs to be continued for as long as one can.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Sir some people say that you should not try these medications before 18 yrs.Are you damn sure Sir ? Can he use this medications if Androgenic Alopecia is confirmed.I too have a doubt Sir.What type of test is taken to confirm Androgenic Alopecia?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He can take treatment for androgenetic alopecia at this age

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, I am sure. He can take it. There is no such age limit as androgenetic alopecia can start at any time after puberty.
Androgenetic alopecia is diagnosed clinically by its classical distribution pattern in the presence of a positive family history. There is no blood test. However, trichoscopy can be used as a confirmatory test.
If you are very apprehensive about finasteride, you can start with only minoxidil for now. If that proves insufficient, finasteride can be added later on.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar