Latest news with #MelissaPiliang
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Alopecia Areata home remedies: What works, what doesn't, and what to avoid
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, unpredictable, and often distressing patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, and body. For many years, individuals affected by this condition in the United States had no FDA-approved treatment to turn to. That changed in June 2022, when the first official medical therapy became available. Despite this medical progress, a significant number of people continue to explore home remedies for alopecia areata in hopes of finding a natural or holistic solution. But do these home-based methods work? And can natural therapies really reverse or manage this immune-driven condition? With expert input from dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang, explores the most talked-about home remedies, their benefits, limitations, and the importance of evidence-based treatment. What is Alopecia areata and why it is a medical concern Alopecia areata is not merely a cosmetic issue but a medical condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks hair follicles. This leads to hair loss that can occur in isolated patches or more extensive areas. 'Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease and an immune system issue,' explains Dr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Have Arthritis Avoid This Food Active Life Journal Learn More Undo Piliang. 'There's little evidence to show that natural treatments are effective in actually treating the condition. ' As Cleveland clinic reported, some natural remedies may support overall scalp health or reduce inflammation, they do not modify the immune activity driving alopecia areata. Home remedies for alopecia areata: What helps and what doesn't Essential oils may aid hair growth in alopecia areata One of the most discussed home-based approaches involves aromatherapy scalp massage using essential oils. Studies suggest that ingredients such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood may support hair growth when used regularly in massage routines. Although promising, aromatherapy should not be considered a cure. More extensive research is needed to establish its efficacy. Safe as a supplementary method but lacks conclusive evidence as a primary treatment. Kitchen food items for treating alopecia areata Several food-based items are frequently recommended as topical applications or dietary inclusions for those dealing with alopecia areata. Common suggestions include: Honey Onions Garlic Oatmeal These ingredients are believed to have anti-inflammatory or circulation-boosting properties that may support skin and hair health. However, their effectiveness in reversing or managing alopecia areata is scientifically unsubstantiated. Potentially beneficial for general scalp health, but do not target the autoimmune mechanism of the disease. Dietary changes A nutrient-rich diet can promote healthier hair by supplying essential vitamins and minerals. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are good for overall wellness and hair support. However, diet alone cannot prevent or reverse alopecia areata. Moreover, restrictive diets intended to 'cleanse' or 'reset' the immune system can be harmful, leading to nutrient deficiencies and additional stress. A healthy diet supports overall well-being but should not be viewed as a standalone treatment. Supplements Key nutrients such as Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc play roles in hair growth and immune regulation. If a person is deficient in any of these, supplementation may be taking supplements in the absence of a proven deficiency will not enhance hair growth or halt alopecia areata progression. Valuable for correcting deficiencies—but unnecessary supplementation offers no added benefit and could cause harm. Stress management Stress is known to influence many autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata. While it may not be the sole cause, high stress levels can exacerbate symptoms or impact recovery. Strategies like meditation, deep breathing, or soothing music can help. Nevertheless, managing stress can help individuals emotionally cope with the condition and maintain mental well-being. Helpful for psychological support but not a reliable preventive measure. Alopecia areata: What to avoid There's no miracle supplement, overpriced "super vitamin," or ultra-restrictive diet that can halt hair loss caused by this autoimmune condition. Despite the promises of quick fixes, none of these approaches provide a proven cure. "People often hope for a simple solution, but managing alopecia areata is far more complex," explains Dr. Piliang. "If you're discovering it online during a late-night search, chances are—it's not the answer. " Consult with a board-certified dermatologist before starting any treatment. Avoid relying solely on home remedies, and explore all available options in today's rapidly advancing therapeutic landscape for alopecia areata. Also Read | Know how curry leaves can improve your skin and hair naturally
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Can Hair Loss Supplements Harm Your Health? Doctors Say The Risks—Particularly To Your Liver—Are Real.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." From the hair salon to the dermatologist's office to Facebook mom groups, it seems like everyone is talking about hair growth treatments. Hormonal shifts (like those that come with pregnancy and perimenopause), stress, post-COVID fallout, rapid weight loss from GLP-1s, aging—there are countless reasons women feel they're shedding more strands than usual. And they're desperate for solutions. Among the most popular options: oral hair growth supplements—blends of vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients touted to spur growth—and topical or oral drugs, available over the counter and by prescription. The category has exploded. In fact, the global hair loss treatment market is expected to hit $2.22 billion this year and surpass $3 billion by 2030, according to market intelligence and consulting firm Coherent Market Insights. Meet the experts: Chesahna Kindred, MD, is a dermatologist in Marriottsville, Maryland, who specializes in hair loss. Melissa Piliang, MD, is a dermatologist and hair loss specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. Karan Lal, DO, is a dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. Yet as interest in these treatments grows, so do concerns. Late last year, a case study linking a widely used nutraceutical (a fancy word for supplement) to liver injury was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (AJG). And just a few months ago, the FDA issued a warning about the topical drug finasteride, following numerous reports of men experiencing devastating side effects from spraying it on their scalps. It's caused some alarm—and confusion. For a long time now, the most common question experts would get about these therapies was, 'Do hair growth treatments work?' Now, it's, 'Are they safe?' Let's start where many women do—with supplements. Many women assume supplements are safer than drugs—after all, they're 'natural,' right? But doctors push back on that assumption. 'While natural supplements can be effective, it's a common misconception that 'natural' means 'safe,'' says Chesahna Kindred, MD, a dermatologist in Marriottsville, Maryland, who specializes in hair loss. In the U.S., supplements are regulated by the FDA, but as a food category—not as drugs. That means there's no rigorous pre-approval process to vet them for safety or effectiveness before they hit the shelves. The FDA oversees manufacturing, labeling, and marketing claims, but that's about it. 'Many supplements contain excessively high doses of ingredients, sometimes exceeding ten times the recommended daily allowance,' says Dr. Kindred. Take biotin (vitamin B7), a popular ingredient in hair supplements. In 2019, the FDA issued a warning about high doses of biotin interfering with lab tests—especially thyroid panels and cardiac enzyme tests used to diagnose heart attacks. 'I recommended biotin for years, but I've stopped because of this risk,' says Melissa Piliang, MD, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. 'If someone comes to the ER with chest pain, doctors look at these cardiac markers to decide if it's a heart attack. If biotin is skewing the results, you might not get the treatment you need.' It's an error that could be deadly. And the concerns don't stop there. In a 2020 paper published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a panel of experts issued a call to action to improve hair growth supplement safety. 'Quality data, including randomized controlled trials examining dietary supplementation for hair growth in well-nourished adults, are limited,' the authors wrote. Among their biggest concerns: Biotin, for its interference with lab tests Vitamin E, which can increase bleeding risk in high doses Saw palmetto, a botanical often included in mystery doses and at extremely high levels, that may cause abnormal genital development in male fetuses Vitamin A, which can also cause hair loss when over-supplemented—ironic, right? Selenium, which in excess can cause hair and nail loss and brittleness, along with GI and neurological symptoms Then came the AJG case study: A 26-year-old woman with a history of obesity developed jaundice and was diagnosed with liver damage. She'd been taking Nutrafol daily for five months. Her labs were normal before starting the supplement, and they improved after she stopped, so her doctors attributed her condition to Nutrafol. The supplement contains multiple ingredients with potential for liver toxicity, including turmeric, ashwagandha, horsetail, saw palmetto, kelp minerals, and resveratrol, according to the paper. If you're among the one million people taking Nutrafol, don't panic—but don't ignore the warning, either. 'I don't think the average person taking Nutrafol is at major risk—it was one report. It's not like these are flooding in,' says Dr. Piliang. 'But it's important to be thoughtful about what we put in our bodies,' she says. 'I have patients afraid to take well-studied medications, but they'll take supplements with 20 ingredients we haven't really studied—that's a harder risk profile to assess.' With any supplement you take, treat it like a medication, says Dr. Kindred. 'When purchasing a supplement, the brand should educate you about potential side effects,' she says. 'If they are unable to do so, I recommend consulting your doctor.' Your doctor can tell you if it might interact with any other medications (including other vitamins and supplements) you're taking. 'However, it's important to note that while many supplements have been available for years, some have undergone little to no clinical research, meaning data on their safety may not be readily available.' The side effects don't stop at supplements—prescription treatments also come with potential downsides. The difference? Your doctor generally knows what to expect—and who's a good candidate—when it comes to Rx options. But these drugs are no longer prescribed exclusively by dermatologists during in-office visits. And that's where things can go wrong. Earlier this year came the FDA warning about adverse effects tied to topical finasteride being sold through tele-health platforms. Between 2019 and 2024, the agency tracked 32 adverse event reports. In most cases, these platforms were sending patients compounded topical finasteride—usually mixed with minoxidil, another hair loss drug that works via a different pathway. Neither topical finasteride nor these compounded versions are currently FDA-approved. The reported side effects mirror those seen with the oral version of finasteride: anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, and sexual dysfunction in men, including decreased libido. According to the FDA, some patients said they weren't warned about any side effects at all—others were told there was no risk. 'Some consumers expressed they became very depressed, suffering with pain, and that their lives were ruined because of these symptoms,' the alert stated. Dermatologists say the issue isn't necessarily the medications—it's how and to whom they're being prescribed. 'When patients come into the office, whether they're starting oral or topical therapy, we screen them very heavily,' says Karan Lal, DO, a dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. 'You want someone who asks the right questions, monitors for side effects, and confirms you're a good candidate. I don't think that's happening on these platforms—they're handing these drugs out like candy.' On their own, finasteride and minoxidil are both well-studied and typically well-tolerated, adds Dr. Piliang. 'The vast majority of patients do quite well without significant side effects,' she says. 'With topical finasteride, we rarely see someone develop a headache, dizziness, or heart palpitations—and if they do, we adjust the dose.' Minoxidil, originally a blood pressure medication, can lower blood pressure in high doses. 'The amounts we use for hair loss are so low that shouldn't be a concern,' Dr. Piliang says. 'But if someone has a history of heart issues or arrhythmias, I send them to a cardiologist first.' The concern? That level of screening just isn't happening on these fast-track platforms. If your supplements or medications are working, no one's saying stop. But talk to your doctor to make sure you understand the risks and that your therapy of choice plays nice with whatever else you're taking. And if you're thinking about starting a medication, see a board-certified dermatologist—not just a website with a slick logo and same-day shipping. 'It's so important for people to be informed when making decisions about hair growth treatments or supplements,' says Dr. Piliang. 'Whatever choice you make, you should understand how it might affect your health. If something doesn't feel right, speak up—and it's crucial to let your doctors know you're taking it.' Bottom line: If the potential side effects are more alarming than the hair shedding, it's worth thinking long and hard about your fix of choice. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Is your loofah harming your skin? Here's what you need to know
Your loofah could be doing more harm than good. Image: Freepik For many people, the loofah has become a go-to shower accessory. Because of their rough texture and ability to lather soap make them a popular choice for exfoliating and cleansing the skin. However, despite how popular they are, loofahs are in fact doing more harm than good. Many dermatologists now advise against using loofahs for daily hygiene due to health and skin concerns. "Loofahs are interesting. They're used in a wet environment, and you hang them up in the shower, which is also a wet environment. They don't ever totally dry out, so the loofah is a beautiful breeding ground for bacteria," says dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang. Here's a breakdown of why using a loofah might be a bad idea. Using a loofah could be bad for your skin. Image: Freepik Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ They harbour bacteria and mould After a single use, a loofah can trap dead skin cells, body oils, dirt, and soap residue in its sponge-like structure. When it sits in a warm, humid shower environment without drying completely, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew. Over time, harmful microbes such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and even E. coli can grow in the loofah. When you continue to use it, especially on freshly shaved or irritated skin, you risk spreading these bacteria back onto your body, which can lead to infections, rashes, or clogged pores. They can damage your skin Loofahs are designed to exfoliate, but their abrasive texture can be too harsh, especially for people with sensitive or dry skin. Over-scrubbing can lead to tiny tears in the skin's surface, known as microtears. These microtears weaken your skin's natural barrier and make it more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and even infection. If you have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, using a loofah may make symptoms worse. They're hard to keep clean It's surprisingly difficult to properly clean and maintain a loofah. Rinsing it with water isn't enough to eliminate bacteria. While you can disinfect loofahs with bleach or boil them, very few people take these extra steps. On top of that, loofahs should be replaced every few weeks, but most people keep them far longer. Without strict hygiene habits, a loofah can quickly become more of a health hazard than a helpful tool. So next time you're tempted to pop a loofah in your shopping trolley and hang it up in your shower, you might want to consider an old-fashioned washcloth instead.
