How can YOU minimise the effects?

HAIR LOSS

What are the causes and symptoms of hair loss?

There are a number of different causes for hair loss.  It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure effective treatment can be initiated before further hair is lost.

Hair loss can either be defined as excess shedding of the hair, thinning of the hair or patches of baldness (alopecia).

With increased shedding, people notice increased hair fall; either more hair in the shower, when they brush their hair or even around the house.

Hair thinning may occur diffusely i.e. equally over the whole scalp or in a more localised way, for example at the hair line, on the crown of the head or widening of the scalp parting. In some more severe cases of alopecia, there is complete loss of hair over one or more areas of the scalp

Dr Emma’s approach to treating hair loss

The hair cycle is complex and susceptible to a number of different factors such as hormonal changes, nutritional status and stress. In addition, our hair growth and hair volume will change over time and will partly depend on genetic factors. Dr Emma is rigorous in her approach to hair loss, carefully investigating any underlying causes which may be exacerbating the condition. She may recommend further tests, including blood tests, examination of the hair and scalp biopsies.

Once a diagnosis is made, Dr Emma will create a full treatment plan which will include haircare recommendations, lifestyle changes, medical treatments and even procedures where necessary.

Dr Emma’s expertise with hair loss

People often don’t realise that Dermatologists are experts in treating hair loss. The scalp is modified skin and therefore, Dermatologists are ideally placed to diagnose and treat a wide range of hair disorders.  Dr Emma has years of experience treating hair loss in patients of all ages, including children and teenagers, and understands how distressing it can be.  Identifying and treating hair loss as early as possible is key to obtaining the best possible outcomes.

What are the different types of hair loss?

Telogen effluvium

This is a common condition which results in increasing hair shedding following illness, a period of stress or even after a pregnancy. It is caused by a shift in the hair cycle resulting in the hair moving from a growth phase to a resting phase. Shedding is frequently seen without any obvious thinning, although as time goes on, people may notice a reduction in hair volume.

Nutritional deficiencies

Hair is very responsive to nutritional status. Conditions such as iron deficiency, biotin and zinc deficiency have all been associated with hair thinning. This can be diagnosed with blood tests and replacement of the deficient mineral can be very helpful.

Male/female pattern hair loss

Male pattern hair loss is common and affects 50% of men by the age of 50. It occurs in the frontal scalp and vertex of the scalp. Female pattern hair loss presents with a gradual widening of the parting. There is a genetic component to pattern hair loss, but the exact inheritance path remains elusive.

Alopecia areata

In some cases, the immune system reacts to the hair follicle, switching off the hair follicle and preventing hair from growing. This can result in small coin size shapes of hair loss or sometimes, a full loss of hair from the scalp. This is known as alopecia areata and can go alongside other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid abnormalities, vitiligo and pernicious anaemia.

Scarring alopecias

In some types of hair loss, inflammation in the scalp damages the hair follicle causing scarring of the scalp and permanent hair loss. This can occur in conditions such as lupus or lichen planus.

What are the treatments for hair loss?

The treatment for hair loss will depend on the exact diagnosis, however, a combination of the following approaches can be used:

Scalp lotions

Some ingredients can be helpful in stimulating hair growth such as minoxidil, finasteride and hormonal treatments. In some cases, these will be developed as a personalised scalp treatment for your individual needs.

Tablets

For certain types of hair loss, particularly male and female pattern hair loss, there are tablet treatments that can help to prevent further hair loss and thicken existing hair.

Procedures

Some types of hair loss may be helped by procedures like platelet rich plasma (PRP). This technique involves taking blood from your arm, then using this to extract growth factors from your blood to then put back into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

For more advanced hair loss, transplantation is an option. Dr Emma does not perform hair transplantation but can recommend when this may be an option.

A Word from Dr Emma

“If hair loss is affecting you or even just a concern and you would like to take control, make an appointment now.”