Blood injections may uproot hair
Injecting people’s scalps with a solution of their own blood can be effective in treating hair loss, according to a new Italian study. The treatment involves processing a patient’s blood to produce platelet rich plasma (PRP), which is injected into their scalp to stimulate new stem cells that help hair regrow.
Injecting people’s scalps with a solution of their own blood can be effective in treating hair loss, according to a new Italian study.
The treatment involves processing a patient’s blood to produce platelet rich plasma (PRP), which is injected into their scalp to stimulate new stem cells that help hair regrow.
PRP was initially used as a cosmetic treatment that slows down ageing on the face and hands.
The study involved 45 people who suffered alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that disrupts the normal function of the hair follicle. It results in the loss of smooth, round patches of hair on the scalp and affects about 2% of the population.
Half the patients were given PRP treatment on half of their scalp and the other half were given a placebo.
Each person was treated once a month for three months and the researchers found those who had PRP treatment had significant hair regrowth in their bald patches compared to the other two groups.
Now the scientists are carrying out further research and believe the treatment might be effective for men with receding hairlines, and also hope they can use the technique to develop a cream instead of a needle.
