What Can A Dermatologist Do For Hair Loss
If you have a medical condition like alopecia areata, the dermatologist may prescribe medications or recommend an over-the-counter treatment. In-office procedures can also be effective for some patients. These treatments can include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
What Do Our Hair Specialists Treat
Hair specialists at DocsApp treat different kinds of hair and scalp disorders. They use the best techniques right from diagnosis to treatment. Our trichologists are also skilled at providing hair scalp care tips for routine care. Hair fall causes low self-esteem and can be a sign of other internal changes in the body. Consulting a hair care expert is the first step, to evaluate early signs of hair fall, dandruff or any other hair/scalp related issues as the ones mentioned below.
Are There Other Treatment Options For Fphl
Women want innovative treatments for FPHL. To meet this need, researchers continue to look for new ways to stimulate hair growth and stop hair breakage. Other treatments that you may find for FPHL include the following.
Lasers for at-home use: The FDA has approved laser combs, helmets, and other devices, which are available without a prescription, to treat hair loss at home. These devices emit a low level of laser light that may help stimulate new hair growth. A few studies show that this can be effective for treating FPHL.
As with minoxidil and prescription medicines, you must continue using an at-home laser device to see results. We still do not know whether these devices are safe for long-term use or if they can continue to produce new hair growth.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy:
It is believed the platelets help stimulate your cells to grow hair.
Researchers are just beginning to study this therapy as a treatment for hair loss. The early findings show promise, but more studies are needed to know whether this is a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Stem cells: Using stem cells to treat FPHL is still in the experimental stages. Like platelet-rich plasma therapy, more studies are needed to know whether stem cells are a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Hair loss shampoos: These shampoos tend to do one of the following.
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Help your hair hold moisture, which makes hair look fuller and thicker
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Lessen breakage, which can reduce thinning
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Tests For Cause Of Hair Loss
Firstly, I need to work out why you are losing hair and after examining your scalp will usually ask for
Trichologist Is An Expert In Human Hair A Dermatologist Is A Medical Doctor
A trichologist is an expert in human hair, from making it look its best through to treating problems with your hair and scalp. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nails and has the training and expertise to conduct a full examination and any necessary tests to give an accurate diagnosis.
This training and depth of knowledge are vital. Typically a trichologist will train for up to four years. My training to become a dermatologist included six years of medical school, two more years of core medical training, four years specializing in dermatology, then another year on my special interest areas. Thats 13 years of medical training to specialize in skin and hair, giving a depth of knowledge that enables the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hair loss conditions. I am one of the few dermatologists in the UK who specializes in hair loss.
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When Should I Call My Doctor If I Have Hair Loss
- Sudden or unexplained hair loss
- Large amounts of hair loss
- Hair loss with itching, redness or pain
- Hair loss with other symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes
- Hair loss that may be related to a medication
- Hair loss that bothers you, or affects your ability to enjoy life and relationships
Whom Should I Consult For Using Minoxidil And Propecia For Hair Loss
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HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
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What Is A Hair Loss Doctor
The term hair loss doctor refers exactly to what youd expect it to a doctor, usually a board-certified dermatologist, that specializes in diagnosing and treating hair loss.
Dermatologists are trained to identify, diagnose and treat medical conditions that affect your hair, skin and nails, including all forms of hair loss.
There are also trichologists, who are people trained specifically to diagnose and treat hair and scalp conditions. However, because they arent medical doctors, they cant prescribe medications to help treat hair loss.
If youre worried about hair loss, you can get professional advice by scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist. You can also talk to your primary care provider, who will be able to either diagnose your hair loss or refer you to a dermatologist for more specialized assistance.
To treat hair loss, hair loss doctors may prescribe medications such as minoxidil and finasteride, as well as hair loss shampoos, conditioners and other hair loss products.
In addition to dermatologists, some plastic surgeons also specialize in treating hair loss. These doctors may offer surgical hair restoration procedures, such as hair transplant surgery.
Although most cases of hair loss happen in men, hair loss doctors also treat hair loss in women, such as female pattern hair loss.
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What To Expect At The Trichologist
When you visit a trichologist, you can expect a thorough examination of your hair and scalp.
The trichologist may ask you several questions about your medical history, nutrition, lifestyle, and hair care routine. Your answers can help the trichologist determine how to treat you or whether they should refer you to a different specialist or to a physician.
Trichologists sometimes conduct hair analysis to check for structural damage or the presence of a lice or fungal infection.
Occasionally, trichologists will request a blood test from your primary care physician.
Once the trichologist arrives at a diagnosis, they will recommend the next best step. This could include:
- A referral to another professional, specialist, or primary care physician
- Topical creams or lotions
- A mental healthcare professional if your condition seems stress-related
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Can Thin Hair Become Thick Again
Here’s the truth: You can’t change the size of your hair follicles. If you were born with fine hair, it’s genetics, and no product will completely alter that. … Below, we’ve outlined how to grow thicker hair, from supplements to incorporate into your routine to shampoos to slather on your strands.
What Services Do You Offer
We understand how devastating suffering hair loss can be, and the huge impact it has on quality of life. At our hair loss clinic in Birmingham, we offer comprehensive support, and the following:
We provide constructive advice on your cause of hair loss and treatment options. Read more about hair loss consultations.
We offer a range of treatments including creams, lotions, tablets and injections. Find out more about Steroid Injections and Oral Minoxidil.
We can make recommendations on providers of hair systems and cosmetics .
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A Dermatologists Diagnosis Is Best Before Treating Hair Loss
If you think you have FPHL, its important to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Women develop hair loss for many reasons. Other common causes of hair loss in women can look a lot like FPHL. Each of these causes requires different treatment. Without the right treatment, hair loss often continues.
You can find a dermatologist in your area by going to Find a Dermatologist.
Do You Need A Hair Loss Doctor
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
If youve noticed your hairline starting to recede or your hair beginning to thin, one of the most important steps you can take in stopping any further hair loss is getting in touch with a hair loss doctor.
Hair loss can start as early as your teens, and many men start to notice the early signs of male pattern baldness in their 20s or 30s.
The point is, with hair loss, the earlier you take action and seek out professional treatment, the more of your hair youll generally be able to keep.
Luckily, almost all male hair loss is treatable today. A hair loss doctor can work with you to find out whats causing your hair loss and put together a hair loss prevention plan that helps you to minimize further loss and keep as much of your hair as possible.
Not sure if you need a hair loss doctor? Below, weve listed the key benefits of talking to a hair loss doctor, as well as some signs you can look for to know when its time to take action and do something about your hair loss.
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Does M Shaped Hairline Mean Balding
If your hairline is about the width of your finger above the top wrinkle, you probably have a mature hairline. If it’s receding onto your scalp, it may mean balding. The shape is an M or a widow’s peak. An M-shaped hairline removes the round curves of the young hairline and makes a more defined hairline.
Treatment Of Female Pattern Hair Loss
My approach to Hair loss has changed over the years. For minor Hair lossand a family history, I believe it is important to be proactive. The aim of treatment is not to just stop further hair loss but to thicken and if possible, reverse the thinning. I would encourage patients to present early to see their doctor or dermatologist.
What is telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is the hair loss which occurs after stress, whether it is after pregnancy, dramatic loss of weight, illness, grief etc. It may sometimes occur without a trigger. Diagnosing this condition requires a biopsy. This condition can sometimes coexist with female pattern hair loss .
What causes bald spots?
Alopecia areata is the simplest to diagnose and generally doesnt require a biopsy. Most patients present with bald patches on the scalp which appear suddenly. Generally, if limited to a few areas, then reversal of the condition is simple. However some patients can develop multiple, rapidly enlarging bald areas and in these patients, management is more difficult and realistically some may even have to consider wearing a wig. Of all the conditions I manage, AA is the most unpredictable. Fortunately, most patients have rapid improvement and are ecstatic when regrowth occurs.
Scarring hair loss conditions
29yo female scalp -April 2015 and November 2015
- 29yo female scalp -April 2015
- 29yo female scalp -November 2015
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Reasons To See A Trichologist
Trichologists treat a wide range of hair and scalp conditions:
Male and Female Hair Loss
Pattern baldness is a common form of hair loss, or alopecia, in men and women. For men, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, starting above both temples, eventually receding to form a characteristic âMâ shape. Women are more likely to experience overall hair thinning without a receding hairline.
In addition to the emotional aspects of hair loss, pattern baldness in men has been associated with several serious medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, enlargement of the prostate, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Hair loss in women is associated with an elevated risk of polycystic ovary syndrome , a hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular menstruation, acne, and weight gain.
Hair Shedding
Hair shedding, or telogen effluvium, occurs when large sections of hair fall detach from the scalp. This can be caused by several conditions, including stress, surgery, high fevers, blood loss, hormonal change, and childbirth. Hair shedding is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs.
If youâre experiencing hair shedding, a trichologist might be a good place to start. They should be able to direct you to a physician who can help you with underlying conditions.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is caused by inflammatory disorders, chemicals like hair relaxers, and several fungal conditions.
Excessive Hair Growth in Women
What Is A Trichologist
A trichologist is a specialist in hair loss and can help you understand the underlying causes of the problem. While trichologists do not perform medical tests, they can offer advice about the best treatment for your condition.
A dermatologist can perform tests to assess your hair loss and make recommendations for treatment.
A trichoscopy with video dermatoscopy provides rapid observation of your skins surface and evaluates your hairs thickness. A dermatologist can also use trigonometry to give you a numeric value of your hairs quality.
While trichologists are medically trained, they cannot conduct tests to determine the exact cause of hair loss. A dermatologist can, however, perform tests that will help diagnose a condition.
A trichoscopy with video dermatoscopy can be used to measure your hairs thickness and density. A dermatologist can also perform trigonometry to provide a numerical value of your hairs quality.
A dermatologist can also perform a scalp biopsy. A trichologist can only perform this procedure with the help of a microscope and a local anaesthetic.
During the biopsy, a trichologist can only prescribe oral treatments for hair-loss conditions. But trichologists cannot prescribe medication or give medical advice for the hair-loss problem.
A dermatologist is the best doctor to consult if you have lost hair in the first place.
In some cases, the only treatment for hair loss is to make changes to your lifestyle and consult a dermatologist, if necessary.
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What You Can Expect When You Consult A Doctor
If you consult a dermatologist , they will first check if you are losing hair volume because your hair is falling off and not getting replaced or because it is beginning to miniaturize. Normally, the doctor will take some hair between the index and middle fingers and lightly tug it is normal for 5-8 strands to come out. More than this is a sign that something is wrong. The hair will also be checked with an instrument called the densitometer for the miniaturized hair.
Once unusual hair loss has been established, the dermatologist will check for what could be causing the loss, and decide the treatment based on the findings.
You can expect the doctor to quiz you on:
Your lifestyle and any major life-stressors- Examples include questions like – have you been ill or injured, or have you given birth or gone through menopause recently? Are you on a diet? Are you on a crash diet? Do you smoke ? The average amount of sleep you get and so on.
Your general health and the medications you are taking Do you have asthma or diabetes? Are you on oral contraceptives, blood-pressure or cholesterol medication, antidepressants, multivitamins?
The doctor will also check for signs of anemia or thyroid disease, or hormonal problems . Based on these findings, tests may be prescribed to verify