PRP Injections to Cure Baldness

In recent research by the scientists at the International Hair Research Foundation, the University of Brescia in Italy and the Hebrew University Medical Centre in Israel, it has been revealed that injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help fight baldness.

The research, published in the latest edition of the British Journal of Dermatology, was conducted among a group of people suffering from alopecia areata, which affects about 2 per cent of the population.

However, the scientists believe it could also help those suffering more common varieties, such as male-pattern baldness.

Dr Fabio Rinaldi said: “We think it can help to regrow hair on people with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). We believe it is the best treatment available, apart from surgery.”

The experiment was conducted on 45 people suffering from alopecia areata. One half of their heads was injected with either PRP, steroid cream or a placebo. The growth of hair on the scalp was measured against the new growth on the bald scalp.

A total of three treatments were given to each patient, once a month. Hair growth was assessed by measuring the area where new hairs grew on the bald scalp. The PRP was found to lead to significant hair regrowth in the bald patches, compared with both the placebo and the steroid treatment.

The growth of hair by the PRP was found higher than the other two treatments. The scientists are now trying to make the procedure painless by eliminating the use of needles.

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “Alopecia is known to lead to overwhelming effects on the patient’s quality of life and self-esteem. This could offer hope to thousands.”

Therefore, the treatment is new ray of hope for all those who are facing such hair problems, she added.

The treatment is believed to stimulate the new stem cells below the skin, which then trigger the re-growth of hair. "We think it can help to regrow hair on people with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).

We believe it is the best treatment available, apart from surgery", avowed Dr. Fabio Rinaldi, one of the researchers.