LATISSE as a Treatment for Thinning Hair
The average scalp has about 100,000 hairs, and most people lose about 100 hairs each day, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Alopecia is the thinning or complete loss of hair that occurs in men, women and children. The patterns of hair loss may vary, and the hair loss may be permanent or temporary. Age, genetics, hormone imbalance and stress are some of the most common causes of hair loss. While there are several medications and hair implant surgeries to treat baldness, talk to your doctor to identify the best treatment option for you.
Young girl brushing a senior woman's hair (Image: BakiBG/iStock/Getty Images)Latisse
Latisse is a registered trademark of Allergan, a global leader in eye care, dermatology and medical aesthetics. It is made up of 0.03 percent bimatoprost solution that has been used traditionally to treat hypotrichosis, or abnormally thin eyelashes. Drugs.com states that about one drop of the solution is applied topically on the skin along the margin of the upper eyelid using a sterile applicator to increase the length, darkness and thickness of the eyelashes. However, Latisse is a prescription medication and your doctor may help establish a regimen that is right for you.
Hair Loss
Bimatoprost solution can stimulate hair growth in any area of your skin upon repeated contact, says Drugs.com. Thus, application of Latisse solution on your scalp may promote hair growth. Dr. Jerry Shapiro of the New York University Langone Medical Center told ABC News in May 2011 that although the Food and Drug Administration has approved Latisse only for eyelashes and it is not the first line of treatment for hair loss on the scalp or eyebrows, it may help patients who are not getting the desired results from other treatments. In fact, Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse is conducting clinical trials and safety tests required for an FDA approval, which will lead to wider use of the product.
Side Effects
Latisse may cause hyperpigmentation of the skin with prolonged contact. This can lead to unwanted dark spots on your skin. Also, eyelash growth returns to pretreatment level upon discontinuation, according to Drugs.com, and the same can be expected for hair growth in other areas.
Precautions
Discuss the potential benefits and side effects of Latisse with your doctor before starting the treatment. Inform your doctor of any pre-existing conditions or other medication you might be taking. Latisse has not been approved for children. Also, follow the instructions carefully and prevent the solution from spreading to other parts of your skin to avoid hyperpigmentation and unwanted hair growth.
