Topical Steroids For Hair Growth

Hair loss can directly influence our confidence and self-esteem. This is especially true for celebrities and young people. They can develop insecurities and inferiority complexes over hair loss patterns.

Multiple treatment options are being trialed and experimented with to maintain beauty standards and self confidence. One such option is topical steroids for hair growth. Let’s get into more details about it.

Are Steroid Creams Effective For Hair Growth?

As per evidence, some steroid creams are effective for managing hair loss. However, not all steroid creams are effective, and not all types of hair loss can be managed by topical steroids.

Alopecia Areata

Two distinct types of hair loss that have responded well to steroids creams:

• • • Alopecia Areata: Patchy hair loss.
    • Alopecia Barbae: Specific type of alopecia areata causing beard hair loss.

The effectiveness of steroid creams for these conditions is hidden in their pathophysiology. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles, causing inflammation.

Steroids being anti-inflammatory help in reducing inflammation of the follicles. This indirectly helps in recovery of hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Certain fungal infections of scalp such as seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss. Steroid creams are often effective for treating these fungal infections for similar reasons as mentioned above.

Types Of Topical Steroids For Hair Regrowth

Some most common topical steroids for hair loss are as follows:

Clobetasol Propionate

A strong steroid cream, effective for hair loss, particularly in alopecia areata. It works well for pediatric age groups and is considered a less painful treatment option.

However, keeping its strength in mind, use it as per your doctor’s prescription to avoid side effects.

Betamethasone Valerate

Another strong steroid cream, often prescribed for scalp psoriasis and alopecia, usually, in adjunct to Minoxidil. It is available as a scalp lotion or foam. These forms of topical steroids are best to treat scalp conditions and hair loss.

Triamcinolone Acetonide

It is generally helpful for treating beard hair loss. Usually prescribed for twice daily application, it can lead to complete beard regrowth within six months, successfully treating alopecia barbae.

Mometasone Furoate

According to a study, it led to hair regrowth in 71% of the patients affected with alopecia areata. The same study found out that combining adapalene gel with this steroid cream increased the results to more than 90%.

Hydrocortisone Acetate

The mildest steroid creams available for hair loss, available as over-the-counter creams. Usually it is used for starting the treatment, but if the lesions do not respond well to it, doctors prefer to switch to a stronger steroid.

How To Apply Topical Steroid For Hair Regrowth?

Usually the doctor will explain the correct method for application of topical steroids. However, keep the following points in mind.

Usually the doctor will explain the correct method for application of topical steroids. However, keep the following points in mind.

• • Make sure your hands are clean.
  • Flatten your hair to apply cream directly on the scalp without putting too much on hair strands.
  • Apply a thin even layer of cream on your desired areas of hair loss patches.
  • Wash your hands afterwards to ensure you don’t apply steroid cream anywhere else on the body.
  • Reapply according to the doctor’s prescription.

Note:- Avoid washing hair after application to let steroid cream get absorbed properly. Do not use other creams at the same time on the scalp.

Are Topical Steroids Safe For The Scalp?

Steroid creams may be effective for your hair loss and safe for you to use, depending on your condition. However, there are some side effects which you need to know.

Topical Steroids Side Effects

You may experience one or more of these side effects while using steroid creams on your scalp:

• • • Burning
    • Stinging sensation
    • Greasy hair
    • Skin thinning
    • Contact dermatitis

If you develop any of these side effects, visit your doctor for further advice whether to stop using it or not.