Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello My wife has this problem of hair loss since childhood. Main part affected is central part of the scalp where there is patchy hair loss at many places. Recently I took her to a dermatologist who advised certain tests and then prescribed 1. Ketoconazole tab, 2. Ketoconazole shampoo. He called back after 1 month. Hair loss was reducing but new hair growth did not occur. After 1 month he reviewed and prescribed 1. Zinc tab 2. Folifast lotion 3. Diprobec lotion. Recently she has started having more hairfall than before. Is the treatment wrong? Can you please help me out?
[|AI|]  Hello. Thank you for writing to us at Chat Doctor I suggest a possibility of alopecia errata. Alopecia errata presents as patches of hair loss/ baldness, most commonly on the scalp. The treatment that you have been prescribed is definitely not proving effective for your condition. Intralesional steroids and oral steroids are mainstays of treatment of alopecia errata. For just a few patches I prefer to treat my patients with intraluminal steroids. However, for multiple patches I usually start my patients on Pulse oral steroids i.e 2 consecutive days every week. Oral steroids may have to be continued for 4-6 months, depending on the severity and response to treatment. Topical steroids, topical minoxidil are other treatment options that are usually combined with intraluminal steroids/ oral steroids. You have been asked to use a topical steroid, but that is a mild one and unlikely to be effective. I suggest that you seek another appointment with your dermatologist regarding the same. I think the best recourse of action would be either intraluminal steroids Or pulse Oral steroids in addition to topical treatment with a potent steroid Or topical minoxidil. Regards