Hair Loss: Steps to Effective Treatment
Hair loss or alopecia is a profoundly stressful experience that affects individuals both emotionally and psychologically. Shedding of just a few hairs can be a source of immense sensitivity and concern. People with hair loss often experience a lot of emotional toll and distress, even if it’s not obvious to others.
Losing hair can lead to feelings of sadness and worry and in extreme cases, may even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Reasons for Hair Loss
Hair loss can happen due to genetics, hormones, health issues, medications, lack of nutrients, inflammation, or stress. Different types of hair loss need a precise diagnosis from a specialist to determine the cause.
Diagnosing hair loss usually involves asking questions, examining the scalp, and sometimes doing blood tests or a scalp biopsy. We provide these diagnostic services during our extensive hair loss consultation.
Symptoms of Hair Loss
Hair loss can often begin without any noticeable signs. By the time you visually observe thinning or bald spots, you may have already lost a significant amount of hair. Understanding that hair loss can be a gradual process makes early detection challenging.
Common symptoms of hair loss or those associated with hair loss include:
- Thinning Hair: The most common and often the first sign of hair loss is gradual thinning on the top of your head. This can happen slowly over time and may not be immediately noticeable.
- Bald Patches: Small, circular, or patchy bald spots can appear on the scalp. These areas are usually smooth and may feel slightly tender or itchy.
- Receding Hairline: This symptom is more common in men and typically follows a pattern, such as an M-shaped hairline. Women may experience a broadening part in their hair as well.
- Overall Hair Shedding: Increased hair shedding can be noticed during brushing, showering, or on your pillow. While it’s normal to lose up to 100 hair shafts daily, excessive shedding is a sign of hair loss.
Hair loss may come with other symptoms like itching, burning, dandruff, or acne.
Types of Hair Loss
There are two main common types of hair loss: scarring and non-scarring. The hair loss may also be classified as patchy and diffuse.
-Scarring Alopecia occurs when the hair follicles are permanently damaged or destroyed, resulting in irreversible hair loss. This type is often accompanied by inflammation and can result in permanent scarring of the scalp.
Most frequent types of scarring alopecia are lichen planopilaris (LPP), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFFA), central cicatricial centrifugal alopecia (CCCA), discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and folliculitis decalvans.
Scarring alopecia requires a precise diagnosis and early intervention to prevent further hair loss and manage symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves a scalp biopsy to identify the specific type and extent of the condition.
-Non-Scarring Alopecia: Hair follicles are not permanently damaged, allowing for potential hair regrowth in non-scarring alopecia. Non-scarring alopecia is more common than scarring alopecia. Common types of non-scarring alopecias are: pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia or male and female pattern hair loss); alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium.
Additionally, certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and secondary syphilis can result in non-scarring hair loss. Aging can also contribute to hair thinning and non-scarring hair loss, known as senescent alopecia.
-Patchy Hair Loss: This type of hair loss appears in isolated patches or areas. Conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, often cause patchy hair loss.
-Diffuse Hair Loss: Diffuse hair loss involves a general thinning of hair across the entire scalp. Conditions like telogen effluvium, where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase, can lead to diffuse hair loss.
What to Do When You Have Hair Loss
Hair loss may sometimes indicate a systemic or chronic condition, making a visit to a doctor mandatory. We warn you from buying some remedies without a proper evaluation and exact diagnosis. Just because they helped someone else, doesn’t automatically imply they’ll be beneficial for you, considering the numerous kinds of hair loss and causes for hair loss.
While waiting to see a hair loss specialist, taking these initial steps can be crucial.
Dietary adjustments. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Ensuring that you consume the right nutrients can support hair growth and prevent further loss. Focus on the following dietary elements:
- Proteins: Hair is primarily made of protein, so it’s important to include adequate amounts in your diet. Good sources include lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts.
- Macronutrients: Ensure your diet includes a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Each macronutrient plays a role in overall health, which can reflect in your hair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins such as A, C, D, and E, and minerals like zinc and iron, are vital for hair health. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats into your meals.
Stress reduction. Chronic stress can negatively impact your hair health. Managing stress effectively can help reduce hair loss and in general, improve your quality of life.
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to manage stress levels. It is widely known that regular physical activity improves mood and reduces stress hormones. Engaging in activities you like also helps you to relax.
Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including the health of your hair. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Hair care practices. Adopt gentle hair care practices to minimize damage and support hair health. Limit the use of chemical treatments, heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can cause traction alopecia.
Keep your scalp clean and well-moisturized to prevent dandruff and irritation. Choose shampoos and conditioners that are free from harsh chemicals.
Health care and regular visits to your primary healthcare provider can help detect any underlying conditions contributing to hair loss: anemia, infectious diseases, thyroid and other hormonal imbalances, and vitamin deficiencies.
Who is the Best Specialist for Hair Loss?
For a hair loss specialist, always see a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.
They are experts in treating various types of hair loss. They have received extensive training and have years of experience. They can provide accurate diagnoses and create effective treatment plans.
Within the dermatology field, some dermatologists, have a particular interest and expertise in treating hair loss. These experts stay updated on the latest research and advancements in hair loss treatments. They do this to offer patients the best available options.
At our clinic, we are the experts in hair loss treatment, ensuring you fully understand your condition. We offer comprehensive evaluations, support and treatment options backed by scientific research and data. We base our approach on thorough diagnoses and evidence-based therapies. We offer:
- Medical Treatments: Proven medications like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and JAK inhibitors among others.
- Regenerative Treatments: Cutting-edge therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), laser treatments like Keralase, and mesotherapy among others.
- Lifestyle Changes: Personalized recommendations to support hair health and manage your condition.
Choose our clinic for personalized care and effective support and solutions to help you regain confidence and achieve the best outcomes.
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