PRESENTING under the theme ‘Hair today, gone tomorrow: Understanding and addressing hair loss’, Dr Jennifer Mamby Alexander, medical practitioner, cytologist, and hair loss specialist, tackled the issue of alopecia at the first of two Continuing Education seminars, hosted by MDS Limited in partnership with Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP), on January 24.

Dr Alexander said the most common cause of hair loss in both women and men is androgenic alopecia, resulting from the action of male hormones (androgen).

Statistics published in Jamaica in 2023 by the journal
Histopathology on 338 biopsies, indicate that linus planus (40 per cent), cicatricial alopecia (21 per cent), folliculitis (10 per cent), discoid lupus (6.2 per cent), alopecia areata (5 per cent), and frontal fibrosing alopecia (5 per cent) are the most prevalent causes of hair loss in the country.

“Hair loss is an issue for many persons. And sadly, because of fear, it has been neglected,” said Dr Alexander. “Androgenic alopecia is very progressive, and affects men and women alike. Typically, men go bald on the crown and at the temples, meanwhile women experience thinning on the crown, front and sides. The major contributor to hair loss — lichen planus — destroys hair follicles, replacing them with scarring, and causing permanent hair loss.”

Listing Czech Republic, Spain, Germany and France as the leading countries regarding hair loss, Dr Alexander stated that this can be attributed to the lifestyle practices in those countries. The constant smoking, dependence on fast foods, not eating adequate fruits and vegetables, getting fewer vitamins, and genetics, are a few of the causes she listed.

“Whilst people in European countries can blame the cause of hair loss on their lifestyle and eating habits, women in the Caribbean are prone to hair loss by traction alopecia; this is the prolonged braiding and weaving of hair, glued on extensions and lace fronts, and the constant wearing of tight buns and ponytails,” she explained. “Additionally, depending on its strength, the use of chemical relaxers in the hair can also result in hair loss. Lye and no-lye relaxers both cause the same damage to the hair so, essentially, none is safer than the other.”

Importantly, there are also a number of medications that contribute to alopecia. Medications that are used to combat high blood pressure, arthritis, blood clots, seizures, cancer, and indigestion often aid in hair loss experienced by these patients, the doctor said.

Dr Alexander said alopecia can occur months, or even days after taking medication. Acne medication; anti-inflammatory aids such as naprosyn, indocin and methotrexate; antidepressants including Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil and lithium; the oral contraceptive pill Yasmin; and blood thinners are just a few treatments that invoke hair loss.

Luckily, alopecia is treatable and can be attended to using a multi-system approach, including light laser therapy. This works at the hair root level and does not penetrate the skull or brain; patients are provided with protective goggles during the treatment. The best results of this treatment can be seen from nine months after treatment; however, during the first two months shedding may occur as the new growth replaces the miniaturised hairs.

To prevent alopecia Dr Alexander advises that the hair must be kept clean at all times. Using essential oils, lessening the traction put on the hair by not wearing tight-pulling hairdos, not gluing hair, and not using chemical relaxers and colouring on the same day are all recommended preventative methods of alopecia.

“Having the courage to face problems like hair loss can transform your life in countless ways. When you are fearless you are more confident, self-assured, and in control of your life. It is not an accident that in the Hair Loss Clinic of Jamaica our motto is: ‘Restore your hair, Restore your confidence,’ ” quipped Dr Alexander.

Over the years the MDS seminar gained recognition as the leading platform for Jamaican pharmacists, aiding in their professional development while providing networking opportunities.

Sponsored by National Health Fund, this is the first pharmaceutical seminar to be endorsed by CAP, and was held virtually this year to facilitate the support of the wider Caribbean. Under the theme, ‘The Fearless Edition’, this year’s seminar challenged a number of fears that exist within our society. The 5th annual Continuing Education seminar featured six presenters — Dr Jennifer Mamby Alexander, Dr Tyeesha Palmer Morgan, Dr Keisha Allen Dougan, Ann-Merita Golding, Dathan Henry and Dr Alfred Dawes, discussing issues such as skin bleaching, hair loss, colorectal disorders, stuttering and phobias.