Sarcoidosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

follicular conjunctivitis treatment :: Article Creator

Pink Eye: What You Should Know

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva -- the thin, clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.

Pink eye can be contagious and is often associated with children, but anyone can get it. Treatment will depend on whether your pink eye is due to a virus, bacteria, allergies, or an irritating substance. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)

Pink eye causes redness, itching, pain, burning, discharge, and swelling in and around the eyes. It might make your vision blurry and make you sensitive to light, but you'll still be able to see.

Pink eye can happen to anyone, regardless of age, but it's common in children. It can be highly contagious, spreading rapidly in schools and day-care centers, but it's rarely serious. It's unlikely to damage your vision, especially if you find and treat it quickly. When you take care to prevent its spread and do everything your doctor suggests, pink eye clears up with no long-term problems.

What does pink eye look like?

Pink eye looks like the whites of one or both eyes are pink or red. You may have swelling around your eyes and could see white, yellow, or green discharge.

Pink eye vs. Stye

Stye and pink eye are eye infections with similar symptoms. Like pink eye, symptoms of a stye include itchy, sore, and watery eyes and sensitivity to light. But unlike conjunctivitis, a stye causes a small pus-filled bump in the upper or lower eyelid. It also happens due to a bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Several things could be to blame, but the most common causes of pink eye are:

Viruses, including the kind that causes the common cold

Bacteria

Allergens such as pollen, dust, or smoke. It could also be due to a special type of allergy that affects some people who wear contact lenses.

Other causes include:

Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine

A reaction to eye drops

A reaction to wearing contact lens

Fungi, amoebas, and parasites

Conjunctivitis sometimes results from an STD. Gonorrhea can bring on a rare but dangerous form of bacterial conjunctivitis. It can lead to vision loss if you don't treat it. Chlamydia can cause conjunctivitis in adults. If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other bacteria in your body when you give birth, you can pass pink eye to your baby through your birth canal.

Pink eye, caused by some bacteria and viruses, can spread quickly from person to person. But it isn't a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. However, if it happens in a newborn, tell a doctor immediately, as it might be an infection that can affect the baby's eyesight.

Who is at risk for pink eye?

Though pink eye can happen to anyone, newborn babies are at a higher risk of having it. You also may be more at risk if:

You interact with someone who has pink eye.

You just had a cough, cold, or other respiratory infection.

You wear contact lenses.

You've been exposed to an allergen.

Pink eye and COVID-19

Pink eye may be the only symptom of COVID when the virus infects the eyes, according to a 2020 case report. But more research is needed, as it's rarely the sole COVID symptom. Most people with COVID show symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, tiredness, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, and body aches.

Is pink eye contagious?

Pink eye may be contagious, depending on the type. Cases caused by a viral or bacterial infection can spread to other people, but those caused by allergies or irritants don't.

Pink eye symptoms may be the same regardless of their cause. It's hard to know which type of conjunctivitis you have without your doctor testing it. So, regularly wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes to prevent spreading or catching it.

Viral pink eye

Viral pink eye is the most common and may be the most contagious form. It's usually caused by the virus that causes the common cold. It tends to start in one eye, causing lots of tears and a watery discharge. Within 24-48 hours, it affects the other eye, too. You might feel a swollen lymph node in front of your ear or under your jawbone.

You may also have cold symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, and runny nose.

Viral pink eye has no cure but will go away on its own. Your symptoms may worsen in the first 3-5 days, but you'll get better within 1-3 weeks.

Bacterial pink eye

Bacteria that cause pink eye include:

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Haemophilus influenzae

Moraxella catarrhalis

Chlamydia trachomatis

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Bacterial strains affect children more often than adults. These infections spread easily and are typically seen from December through April. Bacterial pink eye usually infects one eye but can show up in both. Your eye will release a lot of yellow, white, or green pus and mucus. If treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, it goes away quickly without causing eye problems.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic pink eye may occur when allergens in the air, such as dust mites, cat dander, and pollen, enter the eye. It often occurs in people with allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. Symptoms such as tearing, itching, and redness in the eyes may happen suddenly, seasonally, or all year round. You might also have an itchy, runny nose and sneezing.

It doesn't spread from person to person, and symptoms usually go away once you're no longer exposed to the allergen.

You can manage allergic conjunctivitis with allergy eye drops.

Pink eye in newborns

Pink eye in newborns is called neonatal conjunctivitis or ophthalmia neonatorum. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, a blocked tear duct, or irritation from topical medicines given to the baby at birth.

It's a serious form of pink eye, so get medical help immediately if your baby has discharge in their eye or if their eyelids look puffy and tender. Quick treatment can prevent permanent eye damage or blindness. A doctor might treat it with antibiotics.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is linked to long-term contact lens use, but it can also happen around surgery stitches near the eyelid. Doctors think it's an allergic reaction to a chronic foreign body in the eyes.

See a doctor immediately if you notice pink eye symptoms, especially if you wear contacts, an artificial eye, or have stitches around your eyes. Left untreated, GPC can cause serious eye problems.

Your doctor may recommend eye drops or ointments and advise you to change your contact lenses or reduce the number of times you wear them. You could feel better within a week of starting treatment but may need to stop wearing contact lenses for a month to fully heal.

You can also reduce your risk of GPC by using lens solutions with unpreserved salt solution and removing your contact lenses before bed.

Conjunctivitis symptoms depend on the cause of the inflammation, but may include:

More tears than usual

Green or white discharge from the eye

Burning eyes

Blurred vision

Light sensitivity

Swollen lymph nodes (often from a viral infection)

Early-stage pink eye symptoms

The earliest signs of pink eye include:

Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid

Swollen conjunctiva

Thick discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep. It can make your eyelids stick shut when you wake up.

Itchy eyes

Call your doctor if:

There's a lot of yellow or green discharge from your eye, or if your eyelids are stuck together in the morning

You have severe pain in your eye when you look into a bright light

Your vision is affected by pink eye

You have a high fever, shaking chills, face pain, or vision loss (very unlikely symptoms)

Call your doctor right away if your newborn has pink eye, as it could permanently harm their vision.

Your eye doctor may tell you to come into the office immediately. If you're an adult with a mild case of pink eye and can't reach your eye doctor, call your primary care doctor.

If your symptoms remain mild but the redness doesn't improve within 2 weeks, you need to consult your eye doctor.

Your eye doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:

When did you start having your eye symptoms?

Does anyone else living with you have the same symptoms?

Does your eye release any discharge?

Is the discharge watery, thin, thick, sticky, or mucus-like?

Are your eyes very itchy?

Have you ever had seasonal allergies?

They may also give you an eye exam and use a cotton swab to remove fluid from your eyelid to test in a lab. Test results will show bacteria or viruses that may have caused conjunctivitis, including those that can cause an STD. Then, your doctor can prescribe the right treatment.

If your doctor tells you that you have pink eye, you may want to ask these questions:

Is my pink eye contagious?

If it's contagious, how do I avoid spreading it?

Do I need to stay home from work or school?

What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?

Don't assume that all red, irritated, or swollen eyes are pink eye (viral conjunctivitis). Your symptoms could also be caused by seasonal allergies, a stye, iritis, chalazion (an inflammation of the gland along the eyelid), or blepharitis (an inflammation or infection of the skin along the eyelid). These conditions aren't contagious.

Conjunctivitis treatment depends on the cause:

Viruses. Viruses that cause the common cold can also cause pink eye. Just as a cold must run its course, the same is true for this form of conjunctivitis, which usually lasts 4-7 days. Remember, it can be very contagious, so do everything you can to prevent its spread. Antibiotics won't help anything caused by a virus. Pink eye caused by the herpes virus can be serious, however, and may need prescription antiviral eye drops, ointment, or pills.

Bacteria. If bacteria, including those related to STDs, cause your pink eye, you'll take antibiotics. You may need to apply eye drops or ointments to the inside of your eyelid three to four times a day for 5-7 days. For more stubborn infections or rare cases of pink eye caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia, you might get an oral antibiotic. You'll need to take pills for several days. The infection should improve within a week. Take or use the medicines as instructed by your doctor, even after the symptoms go away.

Irritants. For pink eye caused by an irritating substance, use water to wash the substance from the eye for 5 minutes. Your eyes should begin to improve within 4 hours. If your conjunctivitis is caused by acid or alkaline material such as bleach, immediately rinse the eyes with lots of water and call your doctor immediately.

Allergies. Conjunctivitis tied to allergies should improve once you get your allergy treated and avoid your allergy triggers. Antihistamines (either oral or drops) can give relief in the meantime. Remember that taking antihistamines by mouth can make your eyes even drier if you have dry eyes. See your doctor if you think your pink eye is due to an allergy.

Your eye doctor may have you return in several days to ensure your pink eye improves with the medication prescribed.

How long is pink eye contagious after starting drops?

Pink eye is contagious until your eyes stop tearing and releasing a discharge, whether or not you've started eye drops. About 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops, you should see improvement in symptoms.

How long does pink eye last?

Pink eye may last 2-5 days for mild bacterial infections without treatment. But sometimes, it may last up to 2 weeks. Antibiotics can shorten the duration of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Pink eye lasts 7-14 days for most viral infections. However, some cases of viral conjunctivitis may need 2-3 weeks to completely clear.

A lot of it comes down to cleanliness:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially before eating.

Keep your eyes clean. Wash any discharge from your eyes several times a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterward, discard the cotton ball or paper towel and wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Wash or change your pillowcase every day until the infection goes away. Clean your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent when you do the laundry. Keep your towels, washcloths, and pillows separate from those of others, or use paper towels.

Don't touch or rub your infected eye with your fingers. Use tissues to wipe.

While treating pink eye, don't wear -- and never share -- eye makeup, eye drops, or contact lenses. Wear glasses until your eye heals. Throw away disposable lenses, or be sure to clean extended-wear lenses and all eyewear cases.

Use a warm compress, such as a washcloth soaked in warm water. Put it on your eye for a few minutes, three to four times a day. This will ease your pain and help break up some of the crust that may form on your eyelashes.

Don't put a patch over your eye. It may worsen the infection.

Protect your eyes from dirt and other things that irritate them.

Limit eye drops. Don't use them for more than a few days unless your eye doctor tells you to. Nonprescription "artificial tears," a type of eye drops, may help ease itching and burning from the irritants causing your pink eye. But you shouldn't use other types of eye drops because they may irritate the eyes, including those promoted to treat eye redness. Don't use the same bottle of drops for an uninfected eye.

If your child has bacterial or viral pink eye, keep them home from school or day care until their eyes no longer tear up or produce discharge. Once symptoms have cleared up, it's safe to go back to school or work, but everyone should continue to maintain good hygiene practices.

Usually, pink eye clears up on its own or after you take any medicines your doctor prescribes, with no lasting problems. Mild pink eye is almost always harmless and will get better without treatment.

But some forms of conjunctivitis can become serious and may affect your ability to see because they can scar your cornea, the clear protective covering at the front of your eye. They include conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, or certain strains of the adenovirus.

If caused by a virus, pink eye gets better in 2-3 weeks. If caused by bacteria, antibiotics may speed up the healing process.

See a doctor immediately if you have symptoms, including:

Eye pain

Blurry vision

Light sensitivity

Feeling something in your eyes

You can take steps to prevent pink eye:

Keep your hands clean. Wash them thoroughly and often, especially if you touch your eye or the area around it.

Don't overshare. Infection can also enter the body through your nose and mouth. So, don't share washcloths, bath towels, pillowcases, or handkerchiefs with others, even with family. Don't use other people's eyedrops or cosmetics, especially eyeliner pencils and mascara.

Avoid allergy triggers. If allergies cause your pink eye, avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Don't rub your eyes, which may make it worse. Splash your face and eyes with cold water, or use a cool compress. Use aqueous-based "artificial tears." Stick with your allergy treatment.

Clean contact lenses carefully. Sometimes, chemicals used to clean contact lenses can irritate your eyes. You may find relief if you change how you clean your contacts, but be sure to disinfect them before you put them back in your eyes.

Throw away infected items.To avoid another infection, throw away makeup tools, contact lenses, and the contact lens solution and cases you used when you had pink eye.

Pink eye causes red, itchy, watery eyes that produce discharge. Mild cases of conjunctivitis may go away on their own, but it's best to see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment. Pink eye doesn't usually have major complications. But if a newborn has red, puffy eyes, they should receive treatment immediately to avoid damage to their vision. Maintain good personal hygiene and avoid touching your eyes, even after your pink eye clears.

Should I stay home if I have pink eye?

Stay at home if you have pink eye symptoms such as tearing and discharge, because you could spread it to others. Talk to your doctor to confirm if your form of pink eye isn't contagious.

How long do you stay contagious with pink eye?

You're contagious with pink eye as long as you have eye tearing and discharge.

What kills the pink eye-causing germs on surfaces?

An antimicrobial cleaner such as bleach can kill the bacteria or viruses that cause pink eye on most surfaces.

Drugs For Treatment Of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye causes redness and soreness of the conjunctiva and is responsible for 1% of all emergency visits to a hospital.

Alcaftadine Ophthalmic Solution

Alcaftadine ophthalmic solution is an antiallergic agent prescribed to treat or prevent itching due to eye irritation or pink eye associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Atropine Ophthalmic

Atropine Ophthalmic is an anticholinergic agent, prescribed for inflammatory eye disorders.

Ketorolac Trometamol Ophthalmic

Ketorolac Trometamol Ophthalmic is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID), prescribed for post operative eye inflammation and pain.

Levocabastine

Levocabastine is an antihistamine, prescribed for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Lodoxamide Tromethamine

Lodoxamide Tromethamine is a mast cell stabilizer, prescribed for the treatment of redness, burning, itching, and swelling of the eyes.

Loteprednol

Loteprednol is a corticosteroid, prescribed for eye swelling caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

Trade Names :LotepredObra LMore ...

Medrysone Liquifilm Ophthalmic

Medrysone Liquifilm Ophthalmic belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis.

Naphazoline/ Pheniramine - Ophthalmic

Naphazoline/ Pheniramine - Ophthalmic is a decongestant and antihistamine combination, prescribed for eye redness, puffiness, itching and watery eyes that commonly occur with allergies.

Oxacillin Injection

Oxacillin Injection is a penicillin antibiotic, prescribed for certain bacterial infection.

Pemirolast Ophthalmic

Pemirolast Ophthalmic is a mast cell stabilizer, prescribed for itching of the eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis.

Rimexolone Ophthalmic

Rimexolone Ophthalmic is a corticosteroid, prescribed for swelling, itching, redness, and irritation of the eyes and eyelids.

Sisomicin

Sisomicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, prescribed for conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis and other bacterial infections.

Trade Names :Ensamycin (3mg/mL)More ...

Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic

Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic is a sulfonamide with antibacterial activity, prescribed for eye infections.

Suprofen

Suprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, prescribed for reducing pain and inflammation in the eyes.

What Are The Best Hair Loss Treatments For Men In 2024?

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Hair loss treatments for men vary, from transplants and lasers to medications such as minoxidil and finasteride. If you're looking for the most effective option, read on to see our picks along with their benefits, risks, and costs.

It can be difficult to say which is the best hair loss treatment for males. While some people may see strong results with a certain proven treatment, it's possible that the same treatment won't work for you or that you'll experience side effects that prevent you from wanting to continue the treatment.

To help you find the best treatment for your hair loss, we've collected a wide array of possible treatments, including prescription medications, OTC treatments, natural treatments, hair transplants, and even some lifestyle changes that you can start right away.

Here's our deep dive into some of the best hair loss treatments available in 2024.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications to treat male pattern baldness:

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Rogaine is available over the counter as a liquid or foam in Men's Rogaine and Women's Rogaine formulas. You apply it to your scalp twice per day to help encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, and it's also available in a generic form as a liquid solution or an oral tablet.

Both Rogaine and minoxidil can take 4–6 months to show results. Results also depend on proper application and dosage.

Type: topical foam

Prescription needed: no

Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil

Healthline's review

Hims is an online service that can send OTC and prescription treatments right to your home. While you will need a prescription for some hair loss products, this 5% minoxidil foam can be purchased without a prescription.

This bottle is priced at $30 and is intended to last 1 month when used as directed. However, Hims offers a significant discount if you buy a 3-month supply (3 bottles), bringing the price down to $20 per bottle.

Pros & cons

Can be mailed directly to your home

Hims can connect you with a doctor for prescription-strength treatments

Hims offers a wide range of products for other health-related conditions

Sold as a bundle of 3 bottles

Can be mailed directly to your home

Hims can connect you with a doctor for prescription-strength treatments

Hims offers a wide range of products for other health-related conditions

Sold as a bundle of 3 bottles

Product details

Returns: no returns on prescription medication

Shipping: free shipping

Returns: no returns on prescription medication

Shipping: free shipping

Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)

Finasteride is a pill you take every day. It's available only with a prescription from your doctor. The FDA states that the drug will generally take at least 3 months of daily use to show results.

Type: pill

Prescription needed: yes

Key ingredient: 1 mg of finasteride per tablet

Healthline's review

Keeps offers a wide variety of products for hair loss and hair thinning, including prescription medications and OTC products. For anyone not interested in topical treatments such as liquid or foam minoxidil, finasteride (generic Propecia) is a daily prescription tablet that can help reverse hair loss and encourage hair regrowth.

Keeps offers a 3-, 6-, or 12-month supply, and you can save a little extra money per month when buying in bulk. For example, a 3-month supply costs $26.67 per month, and a 12-month supply costs only $20 per month. An additional discount may be available for first-time buyers.

Pros & cons

Keeps offers many other products for hair growth and hair thickening

Keeps can connect you with a prescribing doctor for an prescription-strength treatments

Lower price available when buying in bulk

Requires a subscription to purchase finasteride

Prescription required for finasteride

Keeps offers many other products for hair growth and hair thickening

Keeps can connect you with a prescribing doctor for an prescription-strength treatments

Lower price available when buying in bulk

Requires a subscription to purchase finasteride

Prescription required for finasteride

Product details

Returns: no returns or refunds

Shipping: $5 for shipping

Returns: no returns or refunds

Shipping: $5 for shipping

Combination minoxidil and finasteride

Some people experiencing hair loss may benefit from combining minoxidil and finasteride in a prescription treatment. While minoxidil is available over the counter, the highest available concentration is 5%. A prescription is required for anything above 5%.

Through services such as Roman, Hims, Keeps, and Happy Head, subscribers can be evaluated to see whether they would benefit from this treatment and a minoxidil concentration above 5%.

Type: topical solution

Prescription needed: no

Key ingredients: finasteride, minoxidil

Healthline's review

Roman features a large number of health-focused products for health concerns such as erectile dysfunction, hair loss, weight management, and premature ejaculation.

For those experiencing hair loss, Roman offers a prescription topical spray treatment that combines minoxidil, finasteride, and tretinoin. This 3-in-1 treatment can easily be sprayed onto the affected area of your scalp.

While it will take some time to show results (and not every user will see results with this treatment), you may begin seeing hair regrowth in 3–6 months.

Pros & cons

Combination treatment may help those not seeing results from one single treatment

Roman offers topical sprays, oral tablets, and topical solutions

Shipped discreetly to your home

Combination treatments may be expensive

Side effects may be possible

Combination treatment may help those not seeing results from one single treatment

Roman offers topical sprays, oral tablets, and topical solutions

Shipped discreetly to your home

Combination treatments may be expensive

Side effects may be possible

Product details

Returns: no returns on prescriptions

Shipping: free shipping

Returns: no returns on prescriptions

Shipping: free shipping

For both minoxidil and finasteride, it may take up to 1 year to see results, and you'll need to keep taking them to maintain the benefits.

The two most popular hair transplant procedures are follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction, according to a research article from 2021.

Both procedures are considered surgery, so they can be expensive and may cause some level of discomfort.

There are also certain risks, including infections and scarring. You may need to do multiple hair transplant treatments to get your desired outcome.

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

FUT is the more "classic" method and may also be called strip harvesting by some medical professionals. It involves removing some skin — typically from the back of your scalp, where there's an abundance of hair. A surgeon then removes the hair follicles from that strip of skin and reinserts them into the part of your scalp where you're experiencing hair loss.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

In FUE, a technique sometimes also known as punch or punch harvesting, a surgeon removes hair follicles directly from your scalp and transplants them into the bald parts of your scalp. Direct hair implantation is a modified version of this technique in which a specialized tool is used to complete the procedure.

Laser treatment is thought to help reduce the inflammation in hair follicles that prevents regrowth in some types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata.

There are limited studies to support the effectiveness of laser treatments for hair loss. But a 2016 review indicates that low level laser therapy (LLLT) is safe and effective when used to treat male pattern hair loss. According to a 2019 review, more research on LLLT is still needed.

Quit smoking

If you smoke, you've likely heard about the negative effects smoking has on your lungs. But did you know that smoking may be associated with hair loss as well?

A 2021 study involving 1,000 men found that the majority of participants who smoked had some degree of hair loss, while less than half of the participants who did not smoke had hair loss.

If you smoke, quitting may help decrease hair loss.

Try scalp massage

Not only do massages feel wonderful, but they may help with hair loss too. Massaging your scalp stimulates your hair follicles.

In a small 2016 study, healthy Japanese men who received 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the study.

Research from 2019 also found that scalp massages were associated with self-perceived improvements in hair density.

Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet may help keep your hair healthy. It's important to include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins in your diet. Limiting your consumption of sweets is also helpful.

A 2019 research review suggests an association between certain vitamins and minerals found in food and healthy hair. Consider adding some of these foods to your diet:

iron-rich foods, including lean beef, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified grains, and eggs

foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, flaxseed, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts

high protein foods, such as eggs, lean meats, and seafood

Drinking plenty of water is also an important part of a balanced diet.

Try to reduce stress

Stress can have negative effects on your body, including your hair, and can lead to hair loss.

Strategies that may help reduce stress include:

Oils

Some evidence from a 2014 mice study suggests that peppermint oil may help with hair growth.

Rosemary oil has also been traditionally used to increase blood circulation in the scalp. A 2013 study indicated that rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant with small berries.

While research is sparse on saw palmetto's ability to treat hair loss, a 2020 review suggests that it may help with hair growth while causing few side effects.

Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin found naturally in foods such as nuts, avocados, sweet potatoes, eggs, onions, and oats.

There's some evidence that taking biotin may help slow down hair loss, but most of the research has been done in women with a biotin deficiency. There is a lack of evidence to suggest that supplementing with biotin has a noticeable effect in people without a deficiency.

Want to learn about other foods containing biotin? Here's our list of the top biotin-rich foods.

Onion juice

A small 2002 study found that the use of onion juice as a topical treatment resulted in significantly more regrowth than just tap water in people with patchy alopecia areata. But more research on people with male pattern hair loss is needed.

Bhringraj

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), also called false daisy, is a species in the sunflower family. In Ayurvedic medicine, it's known as an herb that supports hair growth.

A rat study from 2008 showed that extracts of the herb resulted in better hair regrowth than minoxidil. However, more research is needed to find out whether these effects would occur in humans.

Green tea

Another purported herbal remedy for hair loss is green tea.

In a 2005 study in mice, the polyphenolic compounds present in green tea showed promise as a natural remedy for hair loss. But there have not been any studies in humans to confirm these effects.

Hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is marketed widely in India for hair growth. A 2003 study in mice showed positive effects on hair follicles, but no studies have been done in humans.

Hair loss could be caused by any of the factors mentioned below.

Genetics and family history

If your relatives have hair loss, you're more likely to develop it. Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is a genetic condition that causes gradual hair loss. This could show up as a slowing receding hairline or thinning patches on the crown of your head.

Medical conditions

Some medical conditions, such as hormonal conditions and autoimmune diseases, cause hair loss.

For example, thyroid problems, scalp infections, or trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder) could lead to thinning hair or bald patches.

An autoimmune condition called alopecia areata develops when your immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in bald patches.

Medications and medical treatments

Hair loss is a potential side effect of several medications for diseases such as cancer, depression, gout, heart disease, and arthritis.

Stress

Chronic stress or stressful events could lead to temporary hair thinning.

Consider seeing a doctor if you:

experience sudden patchy hair loss

think a medication may be causing your hair loss

also have a rash

have scaly skin

The following conditions could lead to hair loss:

If you have any of these conditions or if you're experiencing other symptoms besides hair loss, talk with a doctor about treating underlying conditions. Your hair loss should improve as your condition improves.

Certain medications can also lead to hair loss, including:

If you've started noticing thinning hair or you have a family history of male pattern baldness, you may not be able to completely stop your hair loss. But you may be able to slow or prevent it.

Consider trying these tips to help prevent hair loss in males:

Find ways to lower your stress levels.

Support your overall health by eating a nutritious diet and staying physically active.

Avoid hairstyles that tug and pull on your hair.

Use hair products that may help prevent hair loss.

Avoid smoking.

Try scalp massages.

Talk with a healthcare professional to see whether any medications or medical conditions could be increasing your hair loss.

The cost of hair loss treatment depends on which treatment you decide to try.

For example:

Generic medications and OTC supplements tend to be less expensive.

What is the best treatment for male hair loss?

Talk with a doctor to figure out which hair loss treatment may be best for you. While OTC products and home remedies may work for some people, they are not for everyone.

Do hair loss treatments actually work?

Some people find success with hair loss treatments such as OTC medications, prescription medications, and home remedies. But these methods do not work for everyone.

For example, Rogaine works best for people with hereditary baldness at the back of the head, just under the crown.

Hair transplants are usually more successful than OTC products. But if you have widespread thinning or baldness or if your hair loss is due to chemo or medications, transplants will not be as effective.

Some people find success with hair loss treatments such as OTC medications, prescription medications, and home remedies. But these methods do not work for everyone.

For example, Rogaine works best for people with hereditary baldness at the back of the head, just under the crown.

What happens if I stop hair loss treatment?

It depends on the treatment you're using. If you're taking an OTC or prescription medication such as Rogaine or Propecia, you'll have to keep taking it long term to maintain results.

How can I permanently treat hair loss?

Hair implants are typically permanent. But depending on your hair growth goals, you may need multiple implants.

Can you actually stop hair loss? Can hair grow back after balding?

It is possible to regrow hair with medication, other treatments, or a combination of the two. But there are still some instances and conditions in which regrowth is not possible.

If you're experiencing hair loss or thinning tied to a period of increased stress or a change in your nutrition, your hair will likely begin to regrow over time when your stress levels drop or you change your nutritional intake.

However, if your hair loss is caused by scalp damage and scarring, typical medications such as minoxidil and finasteride are unlikely to stimulate hair growth.

If you find limited results from home remedies or OTC products such as Rogaine, talk with a healthcare professional about what might be causing your hair loss and how best to treat it.

It is possible to regrow hair with medication, other treatments, or a combination of the two. But there are still some instances and conditions in which regrowth is not possible.

However, if your hair loss is caused by scalp damage and scarring, typical medications such as minoxidil and finasteride are unlikely to stimulate hair growth.

If you find limited results from home remedies or OTC products such as Rogaine, talk with a healthcare professional about what might be causing your hair loss and how best to treat it.

There are several treatments you may want to try for hair loss, including OTC and prescription medications, hair implants, and home remedies.

Talk with a doctor first. They can help you figure out the cause of your hair loss and decide what the best treatment option might be.

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