Can Platelet Rich Plasma injections treat hair loss?

1. Can Platelet Rich Plasma injections treat hair loss? Hair loss is observed in both males and females. The causes of this hair loss are multifactorial. Androgenic alopecia, also known as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, is a common disorder that affects men and women. Prevalent in approximately 70% of men, androgenic alopecia is the loss of hair in the crown combined with an ‘‘M’’shaped hairline recession. It also is seen in approximately 40% of women as diffuse thinning of hair. Hair loss can have a considerable influence on psychological stress and quality of life. Common associations with hair loss include feelings of low self-esteem, depression, feeling unattractive, and introversion. Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous preparation of platelets in concentrated plasma by taking blood, centrifuging it to harvest platelet rich plasma. PRP has attracted attention in several medical fields because of its ability to promote wound healing. Activation of alpha granules of platelets releases numerous proteins, including platelet- derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin (IL)-1. It is hypothesised that growth factors released from platelets may act on stem cells in the bulge area of the follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting new blood vessels to support these newly developed follicles. The most important in the management of hair loss is the to try and ascertain the cause of hair loss. Scalp conditions like seborrhea (dandruff), psoarisis and scalp infections need to be treated. Other causes of hair loss should also be ruled out and precipitating factors if any (example iron deficiency anemia) mitigated to obtain good results with the treatment modality. The PRP injections should be performed at monthly intervals for four to six sessions. It takes anywhere between two to three months to start showing results. Maintenance sessions are required between three to six months to continue consolidation of the results achieved. PRP is best avoided in acute or chronic infections, cancer, chronic liver disease, chronic skin disease, blood and metabolic disorders. Thyroid disease should be treated before starting PRP to achieve best results. All in all, PRP hair treatment is a promising therapy involved in treating hair loss and if used in the correct indications gives gratifying results. Source url - https://topsitenet.com/article/476852-can-platelet-rich-plasma-injections-treat-hair- loss/