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Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is a form of hair loss characterized by hair loss on the front or sides of the head. About half of all people who suffer from this condition also experience eyebrow loss, sometimes the eyelashes may also be involved. Some people with FFA also develop hair loss in areas other than the scalp and face. FFA is thought to be related to another condition called lichen planus and when it affects the scalp is described as lichen planopilaris. In 1994 this scalp problem was first described by Dr. Kossard. In recent years, this condition has become increasingly common, especially among postmenopausal women over the age of 50. WHAT CAUSES FFA? The exact underlying cause of FFA is unknown. FFA is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system accidentally attacks hair follicles. The hair loss is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles. The hair loss is permanent, because the inflammation causes scarring in the hair follicles. Scientists also suspect that there may be a hormonal component, since the condition is most common in postmenopausal women over the age of 50. HOW CAN I TREAT FFA? FFA can be treated with scalp treatments such as creams, lotions and gels. It can also be treated with tablets. However, the evidence for an effective treatment for FFA is limited and the results can vary greatly from person to person. The hair that has fallen out does not grow back because of the scar tissue that is formed. However, the process can be slowed down / inhibited by using the right products. Mediceuticals® products contribute to a healthy scalp and hair growth. By using the right products from the scalp therapies section of our website you can inhibit the inflammation in the hair follicles. For personal advice you can visit a Mediceuticals® salon nearby.

PSORIASIS: WHAT IS IT AND WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? Are you experiencing red, itchy skin with flaky patches? On your scalp and maybe even on other parts of your body? You may be dealing with psoriasis. This is a chronic skin condition that affects approximately 300,000 people in the Netherlands and more than 100 million worldwide. Psoriasis is not contagious because it is not caused by bacteria or a virus. However, hereditary factors play a significant role in its development. Research indicates that if both parents have this skin disease, the child has a 50% chance of developing psoriasis as well. WHAT IS PSORIASIS? The skin is constantly renewing itself. Old skin cells slowly die and shed. This shedding process is so gradual that you may not even notice it. Under the old skin cells, new skin cells slowly form and grow into a new layer of skin. Healthy skin typically takes about 30 days to shed the old skin cells and let the new ones grow. In individuals with psoriasis, the shedding of old skin cells occurs too quickly. While old skin cells normally take about 30 days to shed, in people with psoriasis, this process happens in just 6 to 7 days. This disrupts the skin cell replacement process, preventing the old cells from having enough time to shed and causing them to accumulate on the skin. This buildup results in irritation and itching, as these skin flakes often become inflamed. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PSORIASIS? There are several different forms of psoriasis, each characterized by the specific areas on the body where psoriasis lesions appear. Psoriasis Vulgaris This is the most common form of psoriasis. It primarily affects the elbows, knees, and back. Typical of this form is the symmetrical appearance of the lesions. Psoriasis Capitis In this form, psoriasis primarily occurs on the hairy scalp, around the hairline, and behind the ears. Psoriasis on the scalp leads to intense itching, flaking, and irritation. Although scalp psoriasis may resemble eczema, there are differences: the plaques on the scalp are random and vary in size. Scalp psoriasis flakes often adhere to the scalp, whereas eczema flakes are usually loosely attached. Psoriasis Inversa People with psoriasis inversa experience lesions predominantly in body folds, such as the armpits, groin, inner elbow, and genital area. WHAT CAUSES PSORIASIS? The exact cause of psoriasis is not yet known. However, it is known to have a genetic component. If one parent has psoriasis, the risk of developing the skin disease increases by 10%. If both parents have it, the risk rises to 50%. Additionally, various factors can trigger or worsen symptoms: Infections, such as strep throat, flu, or skin infections. Skin injuries like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or severe sunburn. Weather conditions, especially cold and dry weather. Stress. Smoking (including secondhand smoke) or excessive alcohol consumption. Certain medications, including lithium, high blood pressure medications, malaria drugs, and pain relievers like ibuprofen and diclofenac Inflammation in other areas of your body. Abrupt discontinuation of oral or systemic corticosteroids. IS PSORIASIS CURABLE? Unfortunately, there is no therapy or treatment to completely cure psoriasis. Treatment for psoriasis focuses on symptom management. It’s beneficial to prevent skin damage and avoid taking excessively hot and long showers. Using a soap-free, oil-based body wash is recommended instead of soap. The more moisturized and supple your skin is, the less discomfort you’ll experience from psoriasis. Because psoriasis is characterized by plaques and scales on the (scalp) skin, which are often highly visible, it can negatively impact your self-confidence. Fortunately, you can reduce scaling and itching by using the right products. There are skincare products available that can have a positive effect on the course of psoriasis capitis. If you’re dealing with psoriasis on your scalp, contact a certified Mediceuticals® salon near you for professional advice. You can use our salon finder to locate one. WHAT PRODUCTS CAN I USE FOR IRRITATION AND SCALES? An irritated and itchy scalp can be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Flakes on your head, shoulders, and clothing can also affect your mood or self-confidence negatively. To combat flakes, using a nourishing shampoo and scalp conditioner is a good option. At Mediceuticals®, we offer the Dandruff Kit for those with an irritated scalp. It includes our X-Folate shampoo, which loosens flakes and reduces scalp inflammation. After shampooing, it’s important to balance the scalp’s acidity (pH) with the Therapeutic conditioner also found in the Dandruff Kit. It soothes the sensitive scalp and maintains the correct moisture balance of the skin. Before using the shampoo, apply Therarx , which is also included in the Dandruff Kit, all over your (dry) scalp. Allow it to sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then moisten your hair and immediately apply the shampoo. Rinsing off the Therarx is not necessary. These products can also be used on the body if you’re experiencing irritation or scales elsewhere. To hydrate and restore the skin, you can also use Bao-Med oil in combination with Dual Moist. LEARNING TO LIVE WITH PSORIASIS Psoriasis is unfortunately not curable. However, with the right skincare products, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms. Your doctor can also prescribe medications, often corticosteroid creams, to reduce or make the symptoms more bearable. Moreover, the severity of your psoriasis may vary over time, with alternating periods of remission and increased activity. If you’re struggling with shame, insecurity, anxiety, or depression due to psoriasis, or if you’re experiencing sleep disturbances and unbearable itching, don’t hesitate to talk about it. You can discuss your feelings with family or friends, or seek help from your doctor or a psychologist. Since psoriasis is a lifelong condition, it’s important to learn how to manage it. For personalized advice, you can also schedule an appointment at one of our certified Mediceuticals® salons.

In many cases during chemotherapy treatment, patients can experience hair loss depending on the type of treatment being undertaken. Hair loss generally occurs within the first two to three weeks of treatment. The drugs used during treatment affect all fast-growing cells in the body, this means that the healthy cells are also affected. Next to the bone marrow, the hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body. The hair follicles absorb the toxins released by the drugs used for chemotherapy and are therefore no longer capable of producing new hairs, thus leading to hair loss. During chemotherapy the scalp becomes more sensitive to external conditions, such as hot and cold temperatures and exposure to harsh sunlight. In addition, the scalp can become dry and flaky. Hair loss due to chemotherapy is temporary, after the treatment it may take up to several weeks before hair begins to grow back. The hair follicle needs time to recover before it can begin to produce healthy hair again. Initially the hair will be thinner and different in structure. For example, curly hair can become straight and vice versa. TIPS WHEN YOU HAVE HAIR LOSS DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY Take care of your scalp: 1. Use the Mediceuticals® treatment plan to gently cleanse and hydrate the scalp to help keep the hair follicles in a good condition. 2. Moisturise using DUAL MOIST moisturizing cream and Bao-Med® Pure skin, scalp and hair oil. These two products combined will leave the skin and scalp soft and nourished. 3. Protect your scalp from direct sunlight by wearing some headgear and use a high SPF or sunblock. Get your wig from an accredited specialist for professional guidance and advice. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase while you are having your chemotherapy treatment. This reduces friction and leaves your skin and hair hydrated. THE USE OF MEDICEUTICALS® DURING CHEMOTHERAPY Mediceuticals® helps stimulate new hair growth and helps to bring and keep the scalp, hair follicles and hair in optimum condition. For best results it is recommended to start with a Mediceuticals® treatment plan before the first chemotherapy treatment. Always consult a Mediceuticals® specialist / wig salon for personal advice and guidance. Gently wash the scalp daily with a Mediceuticals® shampoo (SATURATE , FOLLIGEN, BIOCLENZ or HYDROCLENZ), leave it on for 2-3 minutes and rinse with luke warm water. Follow with conditioning the scalp with THERAPEUTIC or VITATIN, leave it on the scalp for 2-3 minutes and rinse. Spray CELLAGEN or NUMINOX onto the scalp and massage gently, do not rinse. Apply twice a day AM & PM for the best result. You may experience blushing & a warming sensation, this is a normal reaction and will disappear after 20 minutes. We advise not to use these products 24 hours prior to and 24 hours after using the coldcap.