No. But you should just start dutasteride. Ask you doctor of course.
Shampoos don’t do much to scalp DHT. They’re good for scalp health and keeping inflammation in check from various conditions.
This is a sort of protocol I’ve been working on. These are from my notes so its just as a rough draft for now. Please show it to your doctor and let me know what your doctor thinks.
Prime Hair Loss Treatment Protocol:
0.5 mg Oral Dutasteride Daily:
Benefits: Reduces serum and tissue dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels significantly, potentially improving hair retention and regrowth.
Potential Side Effects: Sexual dysfunction, depression, and gynecomastia. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Monitoring: Baseline and follow-up serum DHT levels, liver function tests, and periodic assessments for side effects.
5% Topical Minoxidil or 2.5 mg Oral Minoxidil Daily:
Benefits: Enhances hair follicle activity and promotes hair growth.
Potential Side Effects: Scalp irritation with topical application; for oral, watch for fluid retention, heart rate changes, and fatigue.
Monitoring: Regular check-ups for cardiac function and blood pressure, especially for oral minoxidil.
Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo (5% to 10%) Applied to a Wet Scalp:
Usage: Apply in the shower, leave on the scalp for 5 minutes, three times a week.
Benefits: Reduces scalp inflammation and bacterial growth, helping prevent folliculitis and other scalp conditions.
Potential Side Effects: Skin dryness or peeling.
Monitoring: Scalp examination for excessive dryness or irritation.
0.05% Clobetasol Shampoo:
Usage: Apply to a dry scalp twice a week, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse out.
Benefits: Potent anti-inflammatory properties, reducing scalp inflammation and itchiness.
Potential Side Effects: Skin thinning, increased risk of skin infections, and possible systemic absorption leading to cortisol suppression.
Monitoring: Regular skin assessments and occasional cortisol levels tests.
0.05% Clobetasol Propionate Solution:
Usage: Apply to the scalp three times a week and allow to dry.
Potential Side Effects: Similar to clobetasol shampoo with added risk due to more frequent application.
Monitoring: Assessment for skin integrity and signs of HPA axis suppression.
Topical Calcipotriene Once a Week:
Usage: Monitor vitamin D levels as long-term use can increase serum calcium.
Benefits: Modulates immune response in the skin, potentially reducing autoimmunity involved in some hair loss conditions.
Potential Side Effects: Hypercalcemia if overused.
Monitoring: Periodic vitamin D and serum calcium levels to prevent hypercalcemia.
Additional Notes:
Electrocardiogram (EKG) may be considered if using oral minoxidil to monitor heart function due to its potential effects on the cardiovascular system.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about tailoring this protocol to your specific health needs and to conduct necessary initial and follow-up tests to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Weekly Protocol Schedule:
Monday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Apply 0.05% clobetasol propionate solution to the scalp and leave it to dry.
Evening:
If using topical minoxidil, apply 5% minoxidil to the scalp.
Tuesday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Evening:
Apply benzoyl peroxide shampoo (5% to 10%). Lather into the wet scalp, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Wednesday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Apply 0.05% clobetasol propionate solution to the scalp and leave it to dry.
Evening:
If using topical minoxidil, apply 5% minoxidil to the scalp.
Thursday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Evening:
Apply benzoyl peroxide shampoo (5% to 10%) to the wet scalp, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Friday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Apply 0.05% clobetasol propionate solution to the scalp and leave it to dry.
Evening:
If using topical minoxidil, apply 5% minoxidil to the scalp.
Saturday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Evening:
Apply 0.05% clobetasol shampoo to the dry scalp, leave for 15 minutes, then wash out thoroughly.
Sunday:
Morning:
Take 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride.
Apply topical calcipotriene to the scalp (use this only once a week to avoid excessive absorption and monitor for vitamin D levels).
Evening:
Rest day for scalp treatments unless oral minoxidil is used, in which case, take 2.5 mg orally.
Notes:
Clobetasol propionate solution is applied three times a week to manage inflammation effectively without overuse.
Benzoyl peroxide shampoo is used twice a week to maintain scalp hygiene and prevent bacterial growth without excessive drying or irritation.
Clobetasol shampoo is applied once a week to provide a strong anti-inflammatory effect while minimizing the risk of skin thinning and other side effects.
Calcipotriene is used once a week to help modulate immune response and maintain skin health.
Minoxidil should be applied every other day if using the topical form; if using oral minoxidil, it should be taken daily.
Calcipotriene, also known as calcipotriol, is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog commonly used in dermatology, particularly for the treatment of psoriasis. It plays a role in modulating skin cell growth and differentiation, which can be beneficial for various skin conditions.
Mechanism of Action:
Regulation of Cell Growth:
Calcipotriene helps normalize the rate at which skin cells reproduce and shed, which can be beneficial in conditions where skin cell turnover is abnormal. In the context of steroid-induced skin thinning, calcipotriene can promote healthier and more resilient skin by encouraging the growth of new skin cells.
Enhancement of Skin Barrier:
By promoting the differentiation of keratinocytes (the predominant cell type in the outer layer of the skin), calcipotriene improves the skin’s barrier function. This is crucial for maintaining skin thickness and health, especially when steroids have compromised the skin’s natural barrier.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Calcipotriene has anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for reducing the inflammation often underlying dermatological conditions without the side effects associated with long-term steroid use. It’s better to probably determine if you have scalp inflammation before using this.
Counteracting Steroid-Induced Skin Thinning:
Complementary Action: While topical steroids can cause skin thinning, suppression of collagen production, and reduction in skin elasticity over time, calcipotriene works to counteract these effects by promoting skin cell production and enhancing the skin’s structural integrity.
Synergistic Use: Often, calcipotriene is used in combination with steroids in a treatment regimen. This combination allows for the effective management of skin conditions with a lower cumulative dose of steroids, potentially reducing the risk of side effects such as skin thinning.
Monitoring and Considerations:
Vitamin D Levels: While using calcipotriene, it’s important to monitor vitamin D levels as well as calcium levels in the body, since overuse can lead to increased absorption and potential hypercalcemia.
Application Guidelines: Following the correct guidelines for application, including the frequency and quantity, is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize any risks.
Physician Supervision: Regular check-ups with a dermatologist are recommended to adjust the treatment as needed and to monitor for any adverse effects.