Male Pattern Baldness and Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Traditional Medicine Approach

Male pattern baldness and seborrheic dermatitis?

Hello Dr.
Ding, I am an international student living abroad.
Recently, I have been growing my hair long, and I’ve noticed that my scalp often feels oily, and my hair is very fine.
I’ve also observed that I am gradually experiencing hair loss at the crown and the back of my head.
I didn’t pay attention to these issues when I had short hair.
Therefore, I visited a dermatologist today.
The doctor only examined my scalp visually and pulled on my hair, then suggested that I could use minoxidil or finasteride for treatment.
However, he did not perform any blood tests or hair analysis.
He simply told me to use these two medications and mentioned that they might need to be taken for a lifetime.
My mother, however, does not want me to take Western medicine.
She read in a newspaper that hair loss caused by seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by boiling 500cc of water with 3 qian (a traditional Chinese measurement) of the herb Poria, until only 300cc remains.
For hair loss due to eczema, it suggests using equal parts of water and the herb Plantago.
If both seborrheic dermatitis and eczema are present, it recommends boiling 500cc of water with 3 qian each of Poria and Plantago until it reduces to 300cc.
Is this true? Since my hair is very oily, could it be seborrheic dermatitis? What traditional Chinese medicine can help maintain scalp health? Thank you, Zac.

Zac, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/03/20

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Zac,
Seborrheic dermatitis is generally related to one's constitution; it can be managed but not completely cured.
Poria cocos and Plantago asiatica are suitable for patients with a damp-heat constitution.
If you often experience dry mouth and throat, enjoy greasy or heavily flavored foods, have oily hair or scales, and have a yellow greasy tongue coating, these two herbs may be beneficial for you.
It is recommended that you consult a physician for diagnosis and consider using these herbs in conjunction with internal medications to help regulate your constitution.
Lifestyle habits, dietary practices, and stress have a significant impact on seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition to medication, adjusting your lifestyle habits is also very important.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Ding Han-Hsiang
Attending Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2008/03/20

More Info

Hello Zac,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your hair and scalp health. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to both male pattern baldness and seborrheic dermatitis. Let's break down your situation and explore both conventional and traditional medicine approaches.

Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition characterized by hair thinning and loss, typically starting at the temples and crown of the head. This condition is primarily influenced by genetics and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The medications your dermatologist recommended, minoxidil and finasteride, are standard treatments for this condition.
- Minoxidil is a topical solution that promotes hair regrowth and is applied directly to the scalp. It works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth.

- Finasteride is an oral medication that reduces the levels of DHT in the scalp, which can slow hair loss and promote regrowth.

Both treatments may need to be used long-term to maintain results, and it’s important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can cause oily, flaky patches on the scalp and other areas. It can lead to hair loss if inflammation affects hair follicles. The symptoms you describe—an oily scalp and fine hair—could indeed be indicative of seborrheic dermatitis.

Traditional Medicine Approach
Regarding the traditional medicine remedies your mother mentioned, there is a long history of using herbal treatments in various cultures, including Chinese medicine. The herbs you mentioned, such as 土茯苓 (Smilax glabra) and 地膚子 (Kochia scoparia), are believed to have properties that can help with skin conditions.
- 土茯苓 is often used for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, which may help in treating skin conditions.

- 地膚子 is traditionally used to alleviate itching and inflammation.

While these remedies may provide some relief, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for treating seborrheic dermatitis or hair loss is limited. It’s essential to approach these treatments with caution and ideally consult with a qualified practitioner who specializes in traditional medicine.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Dermatologist: Since you have already seen a dermatologist, consider seeking a second opinion if you feel your concerns were not fully addressed. A thorough examination, possibly including blood tests or a scalp biopsy, can provide more insight into your condition.

2. Consider Topical Treatments: For seborrheic dermatitis, medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione can be effective in controlling symptoms.

3. Maintain Scalp Hygiene: Regular washing with a gentle shampoo can help manage oiliness and reduce flaking.

4. Diet and Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those known to support hair health (like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids), can be beneficial. Staying hydrated and managing stress are also important for overall skin and hair health.

5. Explore Traditional Remedies: If you are interested in traditional remedies, consider discussing them with a licensed herbalist or practitioner who can guide you on safe and effective use.

In conclusion, while traditional remedies can complement your treatment plan, it’s crucial to base your primary approach on evidence-based medicine, especially for conditions like male pattern baldness and seborrheic dermatitis. Always consult healthcare professionals before starting any new treatment regimen.

Best wishes for your health and hair journey!
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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