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Management of hair loss (alopecia): Minoxidil

Hair loss


 Hair loss is generally not a bad thing when you reach a certain age and most men seem to cope with it perfectly. However, when you are at a young age and when you already suffer from hair loss, this can be stressful. Young adolescents with baldness is a weird sight, and this can cause problems in social life.

 Most common cause for hair loss is the generic factor. This cannot be prevented or reverted, which is frustrating for the young person. 
Note: don't wait too long before you do something about it if you want to, your hairs may not come back, only a small fraction if you're lucky.

Minoxidil


 Luckily, science always finds a way. The molecule minoxidil has been found to stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss. It was first used as a vasodilator to lower blood pressure but was shown that it also has the side-effect, namely anti-hair loss. 

 It is applied topical on the scalp, a solution of 5% with a puffer, applied once or twice a day.

 However, once treatment is stopped, the hair loss will continue to occur about 30-60 days after last application of the solution. Research also shows side effects could include headaches and acne. As a sidenote: it appears to be extremely toxic for cats, so keep it away from them!
Further research is needed to help balding people, but for now, this molecule has helped A LOT of people around the globe.

Chemical aspects

The molecule itself is quite big.
  • The molecular mass is 209,251 g/mol
  • IUPAC name: 6-Piperidin-1-ylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine 3-oxide
  • Formula: C9H15N5O 
  • Structure: see below.
For more info I advice you to ask a clinician, pharmacist or your doctor.
Or consult 

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