Such a preparation, if it actually does what
it is supposed to do, may endanger the endocrine gland system. There are some
things that may be helpful in retarding ordinary bald- ness. Control of
dandruff is one. Avoidance of excessive hair wetting is another. It can be
helpful, too, to avoid lotions and tonics, to protect the general health of the
body, and to give the hair proper, but not excessive, attention and care. Once
baldness has arrived, it cannot be cured. If it should be particularly
distressing because of your business or profession, we strongly urge that you
do not waste money on "hair restorers" but rather spend it on a
hairpiece which, if carefully made and fitted, cannot be distinguished from
your own hair. Other Hair and Scalp
Problems The hair and the scalp may be affected by many of the same conditions
that affect other parts of the skin. Protect your head from irritating
chemicals. Don't remove growths of any kind on your own; these should have the
attention of a physician. Scalp infections can become serious, affecting
glands, even entering the blood to produce blood poisoning.
They can usually be avoided by proper care of
scalp and hair, but if an infection does occur, let your physician see,
diagnose, and treat it. Head lice (pediculosis capitis) are a common problem in
children, readily transmitted from youngster to youngster. While there are many
old methods of eliminating them, including laborious use of a fine-tooth comb,
new medications are so effective that it is worthwhile having your physician
prescribe one and direct you in its safe use. Care should be taken to avoid
reinfection by keeping comb and brush clean through boiling or dipping in
alcohol. Children also are quite susceptible to ring- worm infections of the
scalp. Your physician can cure such infections with little difficulty after he
has determined the fungus involved and the medication most suited to
eradicating it.
