Mother’s tale
'Cervical cancer robbed me of my daughter'
Would Provillus hair treatment really help in baldness type of hair loss? I have had this since I was 13 years old and I am not 24 years old. It has been on and off ever since. At the moment, I’m using minoxidil 2%.
Though Provillus hair loss treatment comes in both a topical and oral solution, the only proven ingredient in this product is minoxidil which is in the topical formula. Some anecdotal evidence exists that saw palmetto (an “active” ingredient in their oral solution) might help block DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness.
In my opinion, if your alopecia is genetic, I would stick with Rogaine (which contains minoxidil) and consider Propecia (finasteride) for men only, which are both FDA approved to treat baldness. Be sure to consult with a physician and learn about the benefits, limitations, and potential side effects of these medications.
But based on your description above, of “on and off”, I’m wondering if you have alopecia areata, which is characterized by rapid hair loss in a targeted area leaving you with a bald patch in certain areas of the scalp or body. In about 50% of all cases, those suffering from this condition experience hair regrowth without any treatment. However, some treatments have been used including a combination of minoxidil, steroid injections, clobetasol or fluocinonide, creams, cyclosporine (a topical immunotherapy), and anthralin or topical coal tar. Because Provillus topical treatment contains minoxidil, this could probably be used instead. However, generic minoxidil is less expensive.
Be sure to consult with a dermatologist who can recommend a proper treatment for alopecia areata.
Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog