Show 1319: How to Have Healthy Hair and Nails

In our nationally syndicated radio show this week we’ll be taking your questions live. We have invited two distinguished dermatologists to discuss problems affecting the hair and nails and tell you how to have healthy hair and nails.

Green Nail Syndrome:

For years, listeners have been calling in questions about nail fungus that makes toenails too thick to clip. We’ve also heard about a lot of home remedies for weird nails during that time. Some of them work, at least for some people, some of the time.

When the problem is caused by a fungal infection, prescription antifungal medicines can be helpful. But what about green nail syndrome? What causes this unusual coloration, and what can be done to treat the condition?

We’ll discuss a range of problems that can affect toenails and fingernails. Be sure to share your questions about achieving healthy hair and nails so our guests can address them.

Thinning Hair:

People may fuss about frizz or color or style. But unquestionably the hair problem that bothers them most is hair loss. Back in 1988, the FDA approved topical minoxidil (Rogaine) to reduce hair thinning. First it was available by prescription (and was one of the first prescription drugs advertised on television). Later, the company took it over the counter.

Despite its wide availability, Rogaine has not satisfied everyone concerned about hair loss. Perhaps that is why the idea of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss has generated such excitement. Science writer Gina Kolata wrote about this off-label use in The New York Times (August 23, 2022). What are the pros and cons of using a pill instead of a lotion to try to ward off hair loss?

Male Pattern Baldness:

Many people trying to hang on to their hair are battling male pattern baldness. What other options do they have? How do finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) work? Are any of these treatments appropriate for women, and what precautions are necessary?

Alopecia Areata:

One of the most devastating hair-related problems is alopecia areata. In this autoimmune condition, large areas of hair fall out, sometimes all over the body. Losing eyebrows and eyelashes can be just as distressing as losing clumps of scalp hair. What new treatments are available? How well do they work?

Join the Conversation About Healthy Hair and Nails:

We welcome your questions about green nail syndrome, spoon-shaped nails or nails that start to separate from the bed. Likewise, we’re interested in your questions about hair, especially various forms of hair loss. Send an email to radio@peoplespharmacy.com or post to our Facebook page. On Saturday morning (October 22, 2022), you can give us a call between 7:15 and 8:00 am EDT: 888-472-3366.

What nail problems have been bothering you? How have you tried to treat them?

Is your hairline receding? When would you turn to a pill instead of a topical medication?

Has a doctor told you that your nail or hair problem was due to a more serious health condition? Would you share that experience with our listeners?

This Week's Guests:

Warren R. Heymann, MD, is the Head of the Division of Dermatology at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
https://www.cooperhealth.org/doctors/warren-heymann-md

Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who practices both general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology at the Dermatology and Laser Center of Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Adigun is devoted to increasing public awareness of skin cancer and the harmful effects of UV rays—both medical and cosmetic. She has an academic specialty in nail disorders.