Is supplementing with zinc useful for seborrheic hair loss?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Patients with seborrheic alopecia can appropriately supplement with zinc-rich preparations and foods, which have certain auxiliary effects on the hair. Seborrheic alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a type of hair loss characterized by genetic factors and dependent on androgen action. It can occur in both men and women, though it is more common in men. Treatment mainly targets the hair follicles, and there is no particularly effective cure. Treatments can include topical application of 2% or 5% minoxidil solution, oral administration of finasteride, and for women, oral spironolactone can be used. If necessary, treatment can be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine and scalp acupuncture, including plum blossom needle therapy. For cases of seborrheic alopecia where the hair follicles have significantly atrophied, scalp transplantation and hair transplantation may also be options. Patients with seborrheic alopecia should also pay attention to their diet by consuming light, nutritious foods and avoiding spicy and irritating substances. It is beneficial to consume foods containing high-quality complex proteins and various vitamins, including vitamins, trace elements, zinc, copper, calcium, etc., all of which assist in hair growth.

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How long does it take for postpartum hair loss to recover?

Postpartum hair loss is a very common phenomenon. Generally, women's hair will gradually return to normal within six months to a year after childbirth. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, a woman's hair may not be as thick as before, which is normal. Recovery can be facilitated by improving diet, ensuring adequate rest and sleep, exercising to enhance physical resistance, and consuming foods rich in proteins and vitamins, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. Generally, most people can return to normal within six months to a year.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to effectively treat seborrheic hair loss?

Medically, seborrheic hair loss is also called androgenic alopecia, which is primarily caused by the hyperactivity of sebaceous glands leading to the gradual shrinkage of hair follicles, or rather, the weakening of hair roots, causing hair loss. Generally, it is somewhat related to heredity, with a higher clinical incidence in males than in females. Once this condition appears, it must be treated with medications. Oral treatments can include Vitamin B6 tablets, lipid-reducing hair regrowth tablets, and finasteride tablets. Minoxidil solution can also be used topically. This disease can gradually improve with treatment, but it is mostly not easy to fully recover, and some people may find that the condition worsens with age. During treatment, it is also essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, engage in more physical exercise, and enhance the immune system, all of which can aid in treatment.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The difference between kidney deficiency type hair loss and kidney insufficiency type hair loss.

Kidney deficiency-related hair loss and kidney insufficiency-type hair loss are essentially the same thing; they basically mean the same thing. Kidney deficiency can be divided into several types: one is kidney yin deficiency, typically characterized by heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth, and dry tongue; another is kidney yang deficiency, where the most typical symptom is feeling cold; there is also kidney qi deficiency, which mainly manifests as lack of strength and dislike for movement; another one is kidney essence deficiency, which includes symptoms such as dizziness and blurry vision, and can cause hair loss, among other things; there is also unstable kidney qi, where symptoms include various involuntary losses, inability to control urination, and stool that is prone to diarrhea. These symptoms belong to either unstable kidney qi or some organs prolapsing. These are various manifestations of kidney deficiency. The main clinical manifestations of hair loss due to kidney deficiency are thinning hair, accompanied by a lack of vigor, fatigue, and weakness in the lower back and legs. Its treatment should primarily focus on nourishing the kidneys. On the other hand, the type of hair loss often referred to in men, caused by an excess secretion of androgens, which leads to early balding in men, is generally not caused by kidney deficiency and should not be treated by nourishing the kidneys.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What is hair loss lacking?

Hair loss is often related to deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B, and trace elements including iron, zinc, and calcium. It is also related to the lack of nutritional factors, such as a deficiency in high-quality protein, which can lead to hair loss. Hair loss can be associated with many factors, including nutrition, diet, neurological and mental factors, as well as certain diseases including endocrine disorders and immune system diseases that can cause hair loss. Therefore, when experiencing hair loss, it's important to carefully analyze the reasons, and visit a hospital to determine the specific causes. If the cause is a deficiency in trace elements and vitamins, appropriate supplements should be provided. If it is caused by diseases, timely treatment of the primary disease is necessary. In terms of diet, it is also important to consume foods rich in protein and vitamins.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long will postpartum hair loss last?

Postpartum hair loss is a common physiological phenomenon among women after giving birth, but it is unpredictable how long the hair loss will last. For most women, postpartum hair loss can persist for six months to a year, after which hair growth gradually returns to normal. It is important to prevent hair loss after childbirth. For example, it is advisable not to wash hair too frequently; washing every three days is generally sufficient. Additionally, it is important to enhance nutrition and maintain a balanced diet, as the most important source for hair is protein. Therefore, consuming more protein-rich foods is recommended.