TonyM232

Thank you very much Bill, both for sharing part of your own story and for admitting that there is hope. Yes, the dermatologist started me on treatment for the folliculitis - he prescribed an anti-fungal medication, and also told me to use a shampoo called T/Sal by Neutrogena. He said this should be cleared up within a month's time unless the fungus is stubborn and it might take a little bit longer. Anyways, I'm not at all concerned about this. Regarding researching proven treatments for androgenetic alopecia: that is quite literally all I have been doing the past few days as I await the biopsy results and the treatment regimen based on those results and my blood test results. Based on my research, here is what I have determined may be best for me (I still am hoping for feedback/suggestions from others as well as the professional opinion of my dermatologist): truth be told, Propecia scares the heck out of me. I really feel uncomfortable ingesting something into my body that 1) could mess with my hormones permanently over a long period of time and 2) could inevitably cause ED problems. I simply do not trust drug companies and there have been no long term studies (from what I have seen) indicating what percent of people develop ED problems. I know the short term is roughly 2%, but even those odds scare me. That being said: <UL TYPE=SQUARE> <LI>Nizoral (topical shampoo) seems to be something that should be included in every regimen due to its ability to control both the DHT sensitivity and the calming of the scalp <LI>Revivogen seems to be the second best thing to take next to Propecia for a DHT inhibitor; I like the fact that Revivogen is topical and thus will not mess with my hormones nor cause ED in the long term; from what I understand, a DHT inhibitor essentially halts the cause of hair loss <LI>Rogaine (foam) seems to be the best growth stimulant to use which, from what I understand, stimulates new hair growth and aids in thickening the hair follicle by increasing the size of the shaft; in addition, from what I've researched, it seems that using a DHT inhibitor and a growth stimulant is the best way to go if you're looking to halt hair loss and thicken/regrow hair. Now, I'm not sure if I've actually lost any hair yet, or if it's just thinned; when I touch the top of my head, I don't feel any bald patches, it just looks thinner. That being said, from what I've read, the general rule of thumb for hair loss is that hair can be thickened anywhere it is still growing. So, based on my pictures, I feel as though I have a good chance for the hair to regrow back to a more fuller state, especially if I am consistent with my regimen. Do you feel that I am getting my hopes up, or does that all sound reasonable? What are your thoughts on Tricomin? I like that is natural, however, I need it to work, too. <LI>Finally, Topical Spironolactone S5 Cream seems to be a good product to use as an antiandrogen treatment which, from what I understand, aids in blocking DHT from reaching the hair follicle. <LI>In addition, I've read that methylsulfonylmethane (2000 mg daily) might be a good thing to take orally as well since it has been proven to increase hair/nail regrowth and it is generally good for the body. I'd appreciate any feedback from you about my research and the regimen which I have constructed. If you see anything that is inaccurate or unnecessary, please let me know. I've taken about 20 pages of notes thus far so I feel fairly confident in my assessment of the problem and also the best ways to combat it for someone in my particular situation. Finally, what would you classify me at on the Norwood scale? Also, based on my pictures, how far along in the balding process would you say I am? I have yet to wake up with hairs on my pillows, and I don't see clumps of hair coming out in the shower yet. My hair just feels thinner in general. I'm not quite sure what that means, but I have to assume it means I'm still in the beginning stages of the process. But hey, what do I know? Thanks in advance, this really means a lot to me.

Hi Severn and thank you for your response. After my consultation this evening (the dermatologist surveyed my scalp and took a biopsy), he concluded that I have: 1) Folliculitis 2) Androgenic alopecia He says that the Folliculitis is curable and prescribed some meds and recommended a shampoo to aid in the destruction of the bacteria on my scalp causing red bumps (pimple-like) and itching. I've had this for as far back as I can remember and always thought it was just acne. He said it is possible that it may have contributed to my hair thinning. Like I said, I've had this for a long time now (at least 5 years). Is anyone aware if this going untreated for so many years could be a primary factor in my thinning hair, or a factor at all? He took a biopsy of my scalp and we will be waiting for results in the coming weeks. I also am going in to get blood work done tomorrow and will bring that with me to the follow-up session where he will discuss the results of the biopsy and lay out the most appropriate methods of treatment. He said that my is not bad and is in the early stages. He kept telling me not to worry. Well, I can't help but worry. I'm really sad right now. I love my hair. I can't imagine myself without it. That being said, I was reading up on Androgenic alopecia this evening (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgenic_alopecia) and it appears that if the condition is caught early enough, hair loss can be reversed entirely. The question is: how often does this happen (a complete reversal when caught in the early stages), and how "early" does it need to be caught? Do my pictures look early enough to halt this or reverse it? I know I probably sound like a baby right now considering some of the horrible suffering that some of the guys on this board must have experienced, however, being 25 I'm just having a hard time dealing with this. I would be indebted to anyone who could provide me with any form of consolation, advice, or insight. I just can't help but think about the painful years ahead. I already have a few insecurities which cause me a lot of anxiety, I just can't bare to think of this one added to the list. Thanks guys...

Could anyone provide any insight on this? I scheduled an appointment in a few hours but I just want to make sure it's the right move. TIA

Hello again. So I spoke with Dr. Konior's office and they referred me to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss (Dr. James Feinberg). The problem is, it doesn't come cheap for the consultation: $425 + $325 for the consultation and biopsy, respectively. Does this sound normal? Is there any way to get insurance to cover this (if you can't answer that, that's okay)? I guess I just want to make sure that I'm making the right decisions with my time and money. Dr. Konior's office spoke highly of Dr. Feinberg and said that if I'm looking to get a detailed assessment of my hair/scalp, Dr. Feinberg is the person to go to. What do you suggest I do? Do you believe this consultation/biopsy would be worth the cost? My number one priority right now is determining if my hair is indeed thinning and if I'm experiencing the early stages of MPB (and if I am, to seek treatment). I do want someone who knows what they are doing and will give me a high quality assessment.

Helps a lot! Thanks Bill, I really appreciate it.

Hi Bill, Thank you for that information. What and where is the "forelock"? I Googled this but couldn't find anything. Also, would the prescreened surgeon's located through the link above be the ones to assess me, or would I need to go to someone like a dermatologist? I wasn't sure if these surgeons are just for people who have already progressed quite a bit with MPB and are looking for surgical solutions (which I'm not if I do have MPB). TIA

Second before shot...

Here are two before shots. Not sure if this will help at all. These were taken approximately 1 week ago.

Profile shot - this might help too. As you can see, you can see parts of my scalp on the side, too, so I'm not sure if this is typical of MPB. Again, the cut is really close to my skin, so I'm not sure how "normal" this is. Can't hurt to ask though... Density is the same on the side as on the top.

This one is taken with a bit more direct light on the crown. Sorry if this is too much, just wanted to make sure you have a few different "angles" and lighting scenarios. I do plan on going to see a dermatologist, FYI, but many of you seem very knowledgeable with this topic so I guess it can't hurt to ask...

Here is another image taken from a different angle. Thanks again...

Hi guys. I feel for anyone experiencing hair loss. No way in heck did I expect this to creep up on me at 25. I've had a cowlick since birth, however, my hairs do not seem as thick as they once were, and I'm concerned that I'm experiencing the beginning stages of MPB. I've been using Nioxin System 1 for about a month now...honestly not sure if it has helped, but I do like the feeling of it. I've attached a few images. If someone could please let me know, I would greatly appreciate it. I just trimmed my hair down today, so this is about as short as I ever take it. I'm not sure if this is magnifying the issue, however, my hairs do seem thinner (I saw a picture of the top of my head taken outside in the sunlight by a friend from directly above me, and it concerned me). The thinness of my hair is really concerning me, too. My hairline has receded a little bit, however, I'm not sure if it's just the "mature" hairline that many men experience. I do also want to add that the density of my hair on my crown seems to be the same density as the hair on the rest of my head. If I pull on the hair on my crown, it doesn't come out easily. Also, if I take pictures of different areas of my head (side, top, back), I can see the scalp a little bit through the hair when there is more light on my head. I'm not sure if this implies that I just have thin hair? My hair has been thin for a while, but it just seems thinner now. Also, if this is MBP, what's the next step? Thanks in advance...