Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) is a form of genetic hair loss characterized by diffuse thinning over the entire scalp. Unlike Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA), DUPA lacks the stable permanent zone associated with other forms of alopecia.
Dr. O'tar Norwood defined DUPA in his 1975 seminole publication "Male Pattern Baldness: Classification and Incidence" as:
Diffuse, Unpatterened Alopecia (DUPA). In this type, there is a general decrease in the density of hair without any definite pattern, although it is usually more marked over the top and front. This type is common in women.
Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia patients have a similar pattern of hair loss to DPA patients but the balding tends to occur more rapidly. DUPA patients are also more likely to achieve the “horseshoe” pattern commonly associated with Norwood class VII baldness. However, unlike other forms of alopecia hair loss, the DUPA “horseshoe” takes on a thin and transparent appearance.
It is important that patients suffering from diffuse hair loss are properly diagnosed. While DPA patients are often good candidates for surgical hair restoration, DUPA patients typically make poor hair transplant patients due to the lack of a stable zone in which to harvest donor grafts.
Not a lot is known about the cause and treatment of DUPA. However, about half of males who suffer from this form of balding benefit from Propecia (finasteride). Unfortunately, DUPA is about 10 times more common in females for whom Propecia is not a treatment option.
Anyone suffering from diffuse hair loss should consult with a dermatologist or hair restoration physician for a proper diagnosis. This is especially true for balding men and women considering hair transplant surgery.
We believe that patients have a right to full disclosure and a complete understanding of exactly what hair restoration surgery involves.
This step by step presentation shows how today’s state of the art follicular unit hair transplant procedure is typically performed.
During surgery hair follicles from the back of the head that are genetically resistant to going bald will be removed and relocated (transplanted) to the balding areas.
Prior to surgery, the hair in donor area that will be surgically removed is trimmed.
Once the donor area has been prepared it is given local anesthesia.
The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.
The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.
When patient’s hair is combed over the donor area the sutures are not visible. These sutures are typically removed approximately ten days after surgery.
Surgical technicians then use microscopes to view the donor tissue in order to dissect and prepare follicular units hair grafts.
After being given local anesthesia, the balding recipient area is ready for surgery. No trimming or shaving of hair is needed in the top recipient area.
Tiny incisions are made in the recipient areas in irregular patterns that mimic nature. The follicular unit grafts will then be placed carefully into these tiny incisions.
Follicular unit grafts are gently placed into the recipient incisions.
Typically the smallest one and two hair grafts are placed in the very front of the hairline, with three and four hair grafts placed behind them.
Following surgery a patient will have hundreds of tiny incisions with short hair stubble showing from the new grafts.
The tiny graft incisions heal rapidly. The redness and scabbing in the recipient area normally clears up within about one week.
Most hair loss sufferers can benefit from hair transplants. However, some are better candidates than others and will achieve more dramatic results.
Different Patients Achieve Different End Results
It is important to have realistic expectations and to find a hair transplant surgeon who can meet or exceed your expectations.
The look you can and will achieve with hair transplants is determined by several factors. But the most critical factor is really a question of "supply and demand".
The supply of hair is how much viable bald resistant donor hair you have. The demand is how much bald area you want to cover and to what degree of thickness.
For virtually all hair loss sufferers, even those with severe baldness, there is typically hair that grows for life on the sides and back of the head. This is because the hair in this "donor area" is genetically different from the hair on the top of the head in people who go bald.
The hair follicles in the "donor area" are genetically resistant to the effects of such baldness causing hormones as (DHT) dihydrotestosterone. That's why they continue to grow, while the hair on the top (in the male pattern baldness area) thins and goes bald over time.
How much viable donor hair you have will largely determine how much you can accomplish with hair transplants. Most people have enough viable donor hair to do at least one or two hair transplant procedures.
These types of treatments work by stimulating hair growth. However, they can't stop hair loss completely as they don't address the root causes of hair loss. Products that act to stimulate hair growth include Rogaine, Tricomin, Folligen, Proxiphen (along with Prox-N and Nano Shampoo) and Retin-A.
Tricomin, which is used by men and women, is a topical spray that has undergone a wide variety of scientific testing. The spray’s main ingredient is copper, which has been proven to be beneficial for hair.
The FDA has conducted some clinical studies, with the subjects applying the treatment twice per day for 24 weeks. These results were shown to be very positive. However, the product’s parent company, ProCyte Corporation, chose to release Tricomin as a cosmetic. They wanted to avoid the FDA approval process, which tends to be very lengthy.
Tricomin may be an effective option for those who want a treatment that’s undergone scientific testing, yet isn’t drug-based.
The product can be used safely by men, women and children. It’s also non-irritating and has no known side effects. Tricomin can be used for any type of hair loss
The product should be sprayed to damp or dry hair twice each day. But if you’re using another topical treatment, such as Rogaine, you should wait a few hours before applying Tricomin. This is because the scalp may turn a greenish color when mixed with other products. However, this discoloration isn’t permanent and washes out. And like other treatments, Tricomin needs to be used regularly to maintain its results.
Besides the spray, Tricomin is available as a shampoo and conditioner. They should be used as an addition and not as a replacement, though.
For more detailed information of Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray, Shampoo and Conditioner, click here.
The makers of Tricomin make this product, available as a cream, lotion and spray. It was originally designed as a skin repair cream in the Dermatology Department at the University of California at San Francisco.
However, a 41-year-old woman with severe hair loss re-grew lost hair in two and one-half months with the cream. The company, Skin Biology, has since marketed this cream, which also contains copper-peptide as a hair loss treatment. The blue-colored copper-peptide complexes are meant to improve hair vitality and the health of the scalp and hair follicles.
Folligen products are meant for both men and women. They feature a cream for hairline application, spray for overall use, and lotion for bald spots. While Folligen may work on its own, its best results may be seen when it’s used with products like Rogaine.
Essentially, Folligen’s products soothe irritated scalps. They also relieve the itching and burning associated with Rogaine. However, the Folligen spray may cause itching or burning. Also, because the cream and lotion are bright green, it’s better to use them at night, while covering your pillow.
And while you can wash Folligen off easily, it’s not advisable for people with very light blonde hair to use the product. They may develop a greenish tinge to their hair.
Proxiphen is a prescription formula topical cream that has not yet received FDA approval. It combines the power of minoxidil and other chemicals. The cream should be applied everyday for the first 8 - 12 months, and after that, every other day. Proxiphen is dispensed only when a physician gives a diagnosis of hair loss.
Proxiphen-N, the non-prescription Proxiphen is less expensive and is also not as strong. It’s advisable for patients to use minoxidil with Proxiphen-N.
NANO (nicotinic acid N-Oxide) shampoos and conditioners are an excellent compliment to your existing minoxidil treatment. They contain NANO, which is a minoxidil-like hair growth stimulator. They also have agents that stimulate hair growth. These products are beneficial when used with Proxiphen and Proxiphen-N.
In order to see some results, Proxiphen-N and the NANO products need to be diligently used for at least 8-10 months at the very least.
A one-month supply at prescription strength is about $100. A 2-month supply of Proxiphen - N will cost $59.95. A 90-day supply of NANO Shampoo and Conditioner will cost $39.95 and $29.95, respectively.
Retin-A (also known by its scientific name, tretinoin gel 0.1%), is a topical treatment that’s primarily used as an acne medication. However, research has shown that Retin-A, either by itself or with Rogaine, may grow some hair in those with male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.
To use Retin-A, you should apply a thin layer with a gauze pad or cotton swab to the affected areas at bedtime. Remember to wash your hands immediately after using the product! You should also take care not to get any Retin-A near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts. The medication may irritate sensitive skin.
It should also be mentioned that if Retin-A is used more often, the results will not improve. Rather, the side effects may increase. These effects include an immediate warming of the skin. Other skin problems may include peeling, itching, scaling, redness and maybe mild stinging. Luckily, once your skin adjusts to the medication, these effects should subside.
Retin-A may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight as well as wind and cold. For these reasons, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. You should also use effective sunscreens, and wear protective clothing.
In regards to pregnant mothers, research hasn’t shown any risk of birth defects, as of yet. Nevertheless, physicians recommend using Retin-A during pregnancy only if necessary. You should also consult your doctor before breast-feeding. One tube of Retin-A Cream can be purchased for about $28.00.
Click to learn more about Superoxide Dismutase (SOD's)
Excessive DHT in the hair follicle causes specific immune responses. These responses cause the cells to release a substance known as Superoxide. This substance combats against any viruses, cells, or foreign tissues. SOD's claim to fight hair loss by reducing the presence of Superoxide.
As a result, the body is less prone to reject any offending hair follicles, which helps to ward off hair loss. SOD's actually treat hair loss in more than one way. Besides reducing Superoxide, they also stimulate growth and they have anti-inflammatory properties. SOD’s are topical, as well. They include Tricomin, Proxiphen, Proxiphen-N and Folligen.
Click to learn more about Anti Inflammatories