AboutMelanie Vonzabuesnig Expertise Female hair loss is my main focus. Women today are very susceptible to several types of hair loss including telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia. I can answer questions about the causes and types of female hair loss. I can share information about natural holistic remedies to improve female hair loss conditions.
Experience My interest in female hair loss sprung from my own experience with extensive hair loss. Determined to grow my hair back, I diligently studied every piece of information I could find on the biology of hair growth. After successfully re-growing my hair with safe and effective natural products, I felt compelled to learn more and to share this information with other women. I am experienced in blending custom hair loss formulas. I am also experienced in writing about female hair loss issues.
Publications My hair loss information has been included in The Truth about Womens Hair Loss by Spencer Kobren, Naturally Healthy Skin by Stephanie Tourles, Alternative Healing by Bill Gottleib and Natural Health Magazine. I am the author of several books on hair loss.
Education/Credentials I am a certified aromatherapist specializing in formulas for scalp and hair conditions.
Question My 14 yo daughter just finished accutane. She was on low dose over about a one year period. 10 mg 3x a week. For 3 weeks she was on 20mg 4x a week. She started having hair loss in last month of treatment. Took her off accutane immediately. Last does last week of 8-9-09. Hair loss continues and is really making her worry. Hard to find real statistics on how permanent the hair loss is and will it stop. Hard to find any real solid answers. Is there anything we can do?? I did have her thyroid checked just to make sure. Results were fine. This has been hard for me to watch her worry. Any answers would be helpful. Thank you for your time.
Answer Hello Monica: Hair loss from acne medication seems to be very common. The acne medication triggers hair loss for a variety of reasons. Because it is a derivative of Vitamin A, it can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A toxicity is a known cause of hair loss. If she is taking supplements containing Vitamin A or eating a lot of foods high in Vitamin A this could make the problem worse. This medication also inhibits biotin absorption. Biotin is very important for healthy hair growth. The medication shrinks the sebaceous glands which is great for controlling acne but without adequate sebum hair can become weak and fragile and more prone to falling out. This medication normally requires girls to be on birth control during the treatment. Starting or stopping birth control can also trigger hair loss. Besides changing the hormonal environment, birth control medications can deplete or interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients essential for healthy hair growth. Scalp massage with nourishing oils may help stimulate new hair growth and nourish and lubricate the follicles. You can read more bout the effects of essential oils on hair loss at the link provided below. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
Essential Oils for Hair Loss http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html
Teenage Hair Loss http://www.vzbotanicals.com/articleteenagehairlosscauses.html
