In a region of Taiwan a study has shown that half of all the workers of the Hsinchu Science Park had male pattern balding. They were generally the engineers and computer technicians and more than three quarters of them had little or no idea of male pattern balding or alopecia according to a local dermatologist.

It became clear on further questioning that almost sixty percent of the men thought that alopecia could be stopped by a change in lifestyle or diet, and forty percent said that they have tried using useless treatments like placing garlic and cayenne pepper to the bald areas. Dermatologists say that this sort of treatment could even aggravate matters further.

From further questioning it became apparent that some men even thought that by using medicated shampoos and not drinking and smoking so much they would regain hair. Scientific evidence does not support these theories. The best way to get helpis to see a licenced dermatologist and get proper treatment.

The other thing to remember said the local dermatologist was that both the oral and topical treatments needed anything from six to eighteen months before any serious hair growth was evident. In very rare cases (less than 0.5 percent) hair loss medicines could cause impotence which disappears when the medication is stopped.

MPB is mainly the result of hormonal and genetic reasons and is the most normal hair loss in males. For some men hair loss is not just about looks but also about the psychological issue of confidence and self esteem. Some of the Taiwanese said that their wives or girlfriends were also made to feel uncomfortable by being bald.

The fact that the people questioned worked in computer technology and engineering had no relation to their hair loss but high stress jobs definitely had higher numbers of balding men in them.

The final words of advice from the Taiwanese dermatologist were getting correct facts, quick treatment and long term patience.