Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) Dermatologist2020-05-07T15:24:31+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

For some men, hair loss can be highly distressing. Address the problem today, so you’re ready to face the world when things return to normal

MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS, ALSO KNOWN AS ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA AFFECTS 50% OF MEN BY 50 YEARS OF AGE, AND CAN SOMETIMES START MUCH EARLIER. IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN HOW TO TREAT IT

In the videos above, I explain things in a simple way that applies to most men who have male pattern baldness. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, you can have your skin carefully examined and get an expert recommendation to help you resolve your condition.

Skin treatment enables people of all ages to take control of their skin condition and get their life back

How does hair loss impact people on a day-by-day basis?

THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR HAIR CAN BRING FEELINGS OF AGEING BEFORE YOUR TIME.

Are you losing your hair?

It starts with a gradual receding of your frontal hairline and hair loss from the top of the scalp. Your hairs start to appear thinner (they’re reducing in diameter), shorter and lighter in colour before becoming lost.

Hair loss can be distressing

While your scalp might appear healthy with no rash or symptoms, it can cause significant psychological distress and impact on quality of life.

How men cope with hair loss

Some men accept hair loss as a fact of life. So, they’ll keep it short and let it be. Others find coping with hair loss a challenging experience. Denial sometimes sets in, resulting in combovers or other fruitless measures.

What does hair loss say about a man?

Younger men can become increasingly upset. Some become depressed and avoid social encounters because their hair loss embarrasses them. There is no end of claims people will make, promising significant results that cost a lot of money but leave many unsatisfied.

If you’re ready to take control of your hair loss…

Unfortunately, we cannot yet cure male pattern hair loss. We can use specific treatments to halt its progression and in some cases restore some of the hair loss.

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about the androgenetic alopecia

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

Male pattern hair loss is otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia. It is the most prevalent type of hair loss in men and affects at least 50% of men by the age of 50. However, it can start at an earlier age. Commonly, this affects the scalp with the gradual receding of the frontal hairline and thinning at the top of the scalp.

A mixture of hormonal and genetic factors contribute to male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen to which certain hair follicles are highly sensitive. It can affect the susceptible hair follicles resulting ultimately in hair loss.

Susceptible individuals are often seen to have a family history of androgenetic alopecia.

Hair loss can be a common problem in men in their 50s but can start as early on as in puberty.

The earlier the onset, the more severe the condition.

I take a careful history of the condition including the onset and pattern of hair loss, any relevant family history or medical problems.

The diagnosis of male pattern hair loss is a clinical one. It consists of an examination of your scalp, the pattern of hair loss and analysis of the hairs with a special lens known as dermatoscope.

Unfortunately, we cannot yet cure male pattern hair loss. We can use specific treatments to halt its progression and in some cases restore some of the hair loss.

Minoxidil 5% lotion or foam is a licenced treatment for male pattern hair loss. You need to apply it topically for a minimum of six months before seeing any benefits.

Once you note benefits, you should continue the treatments. Discontinuing the treatment will result in the loss of any benefits you’ve seen and any hair regained.

Minoxidil 5% lotion or foam can cause scalp irritation but is normally well tolerated.

Finasteride is an oral medication that can be used to treat male pattern hair loss. This drug acts by blocking the action of dihydrotestosterone on susceptible hair follicles, thereby preventing hair loss and in some cases restoring the lost hair.

However, treatment works best before hair loss becomes advanced. Side effects include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Side effects, however, are infrequent and often but not always reversible.

Wigs and hairpieces can also be a practical solution for certain men who choose to use them.

Additionally, special sprays that release small pigmented fibres can be used to camouflage areas of hair thinning.

Affiliations and memberships

I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Questions and answers

RELEVANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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