Hair Loss and Brittle Nails? What your provider wants you to know!

April Newsletter

By Sierra Mahoney, PA-C

Did you know dermatology extends beyond the skin? That’s right- dermatology providers also specialize in hair and nails. Some of the most common concerns we treat here at MidState Skin Institute are hair loss and brittle nails. When it comes to growing healthy and luxurious hair and nails, there are so many accessible and affordable treatment options that I am beyond excited to share with you. But first- let’s go back to the basics: Hair and Nails, what even are they?

Every hair on our body is composed mainly of keratin, which is a protein. In fact, this is the main component of nails, too. Water, lipids (fat) and a pigment (color) also play a part. Because  hair and nails are mainly composed of keratin, treatments that work well for one tend to work well for the other.

Now, most of us have heard of topical Rogaine (minoxidil) which is a widely available over the counter treatment option for hair growth, but did you know there’s a pill version you can take too that also helps with nail growth?!

Believe it or not oral minoxidil has been on the market since 1979 and was originally designed as a blood pressure medication. Over the years, health care providers noticed hair growth as an unexpected yet pleasurable side effect leading to the off-label use of low dose oral minoxidil as a treatment option for many types of hair loss, most notably androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss).  More recently, oral minoxidil has also been used to help with brittle nails- even doses as low as 1.25mg can help strengthen nails!

Another wonderful, well tolerated and inexpensive hair loss treatment in premenopausal women is spironolactone. Also originally designed as a blood pressure medication, spironolactone helps with the hormonal aspects of hair loss and can also help with hormonal acne. In post-menopausal women, dutasteride is a fan favorite. This medication can also work well in male pattern baldness as can a similar medication called finasteride, both of which were originally designed as prostate medications! Who woulda thought!

Now for those of us who aren’t keen on prescription medications, here is a list of my favorite natural supplements that have been proven to be beneficial in treating hair loss, too:

1. Viviscal Pro (a marine complex hair loss vitamin)- taking 2 capsules daily has been proven in clinical trials to help hair growth and I also see stronger nails in patients after consistently taking for 3-6 months. When in stock, we have available for purchase at MidState Skin Institute.
2. Pumpkin seed oil (available on Amazon)- works similarly to dutasteride and finasteride but offers a more natural alternative
3. Keratin (Cynatine HNS is the best option)- this supplement is derived from sheep’s wool and helps with hair, skin and nails.  Warning: This supplement doesn’t help grow new hair but makes existing hair stronger.

Featured Products- Available at MidState Skin

Elon R3 Extra Strength – Healthy Hair Vitamins

BENEFITS

• The Biotin (also known as Vitamin B7), Fish Collagen Peptides, Silicon Dioxide, and L-Cysteine combine to help with temporary thinning hair issues, brittle nails, and dull skin. The unique blend of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients promotes Healthier, Thicker, and Stronger Hair.
• This TIME-RELEASED nutritional supplement includes fish collagen peptides as an additional ingredient. In most cases, improved hair strength and growth should occur in four to six months of continued use, but results may vary based upon the individual.

PCA HydraBright

PCA SKIN HydraBright is a cloudlike daily moisturizer that brightens dry, lackluster skin.  Hydra Bright targets the three common causes of dull skin: dryness, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. The result is light-reflecting, smooth skin with a radiant, even skin tone, for a brightened, not lightened, complexion. Deeper hydration meets luminous glow in one extraordinary moisturizer.