Hot Topic
Hair Loss
The normal amount of hair loss is around 100-250 hairs daily. Hair loss can be due to hair thinning, hair shedding or poor quality of hair. Each hair follicle has its own life cycle which is composed of three phases anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is the actively growing phase, which most hair follicles are in. Catagen or the transitional phase lasts for 2-3 weeks during this time the hair growth stops and the follicle shrinks only one to three percent of all hairs are in the catagen phase at a given time. Telogen or resting phase is when the follicle remains dormant for 1-4 months until the hairs are shed, this affects 10% of hair at a given time. There are several different types of hair loss the most common being androgenetic alopecia also known as male or female pattern hair loss. This hair loss is due to a combination of hormones (androgens) and genetic predisposition. For males this hair loss is characterized by a receding hair line and hair loss at the front and top of the head. Female pattern hair loss presents most commonly as hair loss at the mid frontal scalp and widening of the hair part. Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss caused by a large numbers of hairs being in the telogen phase. When the body goes through a stress the shock sends more of the hair into the resting phase which then causes hair shedding. The stressor usually occurs months prior to the hair loss. Some of the most common precipitants are illness, surgery, childbirth, accident, weight loss, certain medications, and personal stress. The hair will come back but it may take 6-9 months. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own hair follicles causing sudden round patches of hair loss on the scalp or body.
Featured Procedure
PRP for Hair Loss
Plasma rich protein (PRP) is rich in platelets and growth factors which help heal and grow new cells. These growth factors may stimulate the hair follicle activity while promoting new hair growth. Certain studies show that PRP may increase the thickness of hair, lengthen the growth phase of the hair cycle and increase hair count. A small sample of blood is taken from the individuals arm and spun to separate the PRP from the blood. The first step of the procedure is to use a microneedling device over the affected portion of the scalp which creates tiny wounds. A portion of the PRP is then applied directly to that area to allow good penetration. The second step is a series of injections of PRP directly into the scalp. This procedure is recommended once monthly for a series of at least three treatments.
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SkinCenter Calming Antioxidant Serum
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ASK Dr. G
I am traveling out of the country soon and I am concerned about the Coronavirus affecting my plans. Do you have any suggestions?
 
Travelers should consult the World Health Organization (WHO) ( https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 ) and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ( https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html ) websites for the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus outbreak. On the WHO website there is a great video that explains the virus or you can find it on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOV1aBVYKGA&feature=youtu.be ).
 
Trip Insurance:
According to insuremytrip.com "Coronavirus became a known risk on January 21, 2020 and, as such, any claim arising from Coronavirus may not be covered if the policy was purchased or the trip was arranged on or after January 21, 2020". If you purchased a Cancel for Any Reason policy, you could be covered for a percentage of the loss. Generally, fear of travel is not a covered event under most policies and some plans may exclude epidemics/pandemics and may not provide coverage for related issues.
 
If you are planning on taking a cruise please be aware that this is a dynamic situation and you may be impacted by travel restrictions affecting the itinerary, your ability to disembark, and you may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by the local authorities.   
 
Below are miscellaneous tips:
The reason to stock up on certain products now isn't so much to avoid potential shortages in the event of an outbreak but to practice what experts call “social distancing”. One will want to avoid crowds to minimize the risk of catching the disease. If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the last place you want to be is in line at a crowded grocery store or drugstore. Also worth pre-buying: , cold medications, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Many medications including prescriptions are made in China and India and as the virus spreads there will be a shortage of some of these medications locally.

Purchase nonperishable foods to carry you through for a couple of weeks. Stock up on Gatorade, and Pedialyte for kids, (and maybe some chicken soup) because if you do get sick, you will want to be ready to ride it out at home if suitable. So far, 80% of COVID-19 cases have been mild (think cold or flu symptoms.)

We know from other coronaviruses that most household cleansers — such as bleach wipes or alcohol — will kill them.  

The science on whether it's helpful to wear a face mask out in public is mixed. Some infectious disease experts are reluctant to recommend that people wear masks as a preventive measure because they can provide a false sense of security. Experts agree that wearing a mask is a good idea if you are sick, as this will reduce the chances that you will infect others.

Whatever you decide to do, stay safe!!!
 
Until next time Dr. G
954-500-SKIN (7546)