what type of doctor treats hair loss
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not just a cosmetic problem. While it might seem like a trivial topic, it can actually have serious health implications. In fact, there are many causes of hair loss, including:
Androgenetic Alopecia:
This is one of the most common forms of hair loss among both women and men. It affects about 50% of people over age 30. It occurs when genetically determined hormone levels change, causing hair follicles to stop producing adequate amounts of hair. As a result, hairs fall out permanently.
Alopecia Areata:
This autoimmune disease causes patches of hair loss on the scalp, face, arms, legs, chest, abdomen, or buttocks.
Telogen Effluvium:
This is a form of temporary hair loss that occurs during times of extreme emotional distress. It typically resolves within three months.
Anagen Effluvium:
is another type of temporary hair loss that happens when someone experiences severe physical trauma. It usually lasts less than six weeks.
Trichotillomania:
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by compulsive pulling of one’s hair out. People suffering from trichotillomania often experience significant anxiety around the act of pulling off their hair.
Excessive shedding:
Excessive shedding is caused by excessive sebum production, which clogs pores and leads to dry skin. Severe cases of excessive sweating can also lead to excessive hair loss.
Dandruff:
Dandruff is an extremely common condition in which dead skin cells accumulate on the scalp. The accumulation of these dead cells can cause itching and flaking.
Lice:
Lice infestations are very common in children. They spread quickly through close contact with other people.
See also
Types of hair loss
Hair loss can happen slowly over many years without you noticing, or it can occur suddenly. Hair loss usually begins at the crown area of the scalp and spreads outwards. There are three main types of hair loss:
1_Male Pattern Baldness (MPB):
This is the most common kind of hair loss for men. MPB is caused by changes in hormones as men get older.
2_Female Pattern Baldness (FPB):
FPB is more common in women than men. It is caused by hormonal changes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
3_Androgenic Alopecia
The first two types of hair loss affect both sexes equally. Androgenic alopecia, however, is more common in men because testosterone plays a role in its development.
What Is a Hair Loss Doctor?
A hair loss doctor is someone who diagnoses and treats hair loss. They do this by examining patients’ hair, taking photos, and performing tests such as biopsies. A dermatologist is a type of physician who specializes in diagnosing and managing diseases and disorders affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
Trichologists are people who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems relating to hair and scalp. Trichologists don’t perform surgery, but they can recommend treatments like laser therapy or cosmetic procedures.
Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases in the skin, hair, and nail system. They can provide treatment options for hair loss, such as medication or topical therapies.
When is it Time to See a Hair Loss Doctor?
The best time to see a hair loss doctor is as soon as any of the early signs become apparent. When you start noticing thinning hair, you’ll want to do something about it. Here are some ways to spot early signs of male pattern hair loss.
1. You’re losing hair where it doesn’t belong:
This includes on your crown, temples, sides, and sometimes even the front part of your head. If you lose scalp hair, it’s called “alopecia.”
2. Your hair feels thinner:
As you move your fingers through your hair, you feel the strands less firmly. Some men find that their hair feels coarse and dry. Others report feeling a tingling sensation.
3. You see dark spots on your skin:
These are known as vellus hairs. They look like tiny black dots. Vellus hairs often grow in groups, forming clumps.
4. Your eyebrows seem bushy or thick:
You may notice that your eyebrows are thicker than usual. Or you could notice that they’re receding.
5. You’re losing hair in large amounts:
In addition to losing small amounts of hair, you may notice that you’re shedding larger clumps.
6. You’re having trouble sleeping:
Sleep problems are very common among people with alopecia. Many people with alopecic hair loss experience insomnia because their hair falls out during sleep.
7. You have more dandruff:
Dandruff is a sign of an underlying problem. It’s not just a cosmetic issue.
8. You’re experiencing other symptoms:
These include fatigue, depression, and low self-esteem.
9. You’ve tried everything else:
If you’ve been using over-the-counter products for several months without success, it might be time to seek professional help.
10. You’re concerned about your health:
If you’re worried about your health, then it’s important to get medical attention.
The Benefits of Seeing a Hair Loss Doctor
You don’t necessarily need to go to a dermatologist to treat hair loss. In fact, many people choose to see a primary care physician or family medicine specialist because they want someone they know well.
However, some people do benefit from seeing a hair loss doctor. A few of those benefits include:
1. Diagnosis –
A hair loss doctor can diagnose your hair loss based on your symptoms and what you tell him/her about how much hair you lose each day.
2. Treatment options –
Your hair loss doctor can recommend treatments that are tailored to your needs. For example, he or she may suggest topical medications or laser therapy.
3. Education –
You’ll learn about things such as lifestyle factors that contribute to hair loss and ways to prevent further damage.
4. Referrals –
If you decide to pursue treatment, your hair loss doctor can refer you to a local dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
5. Support –
When dealing with a health issue, having a support system around can make a huge difference. Having a network of friends and family who understand what you’re going through can provide emotional support during difficult times.
6. Medication –
If you’re taking medication for another condition, your doctor can work with you to determine if there are any side effects associated with your hair loss treatment.
7. Insurance coverage –
Some insurance companies will cover certain types of hair loss treatments. However, others won’t. Your doctor can explain your options so you can make an informed decision.
Do You Need a Hair Loss Doctor?
A hair loss doctor can help identify whether your hair loss is caused by hormonal changes, genetics, aging, or some combination of both. Once it’s determined what’s causing your hair to fall, your doctor can recommend treatments and techniques to prevent further damage and help you maintain healthy hair growth.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be caused by many things. Stress, illness, genetic factors, hormones, and even scalp issues such as seborrheic dermatitis can cause it. If you think you might have hair loss, talk to your doctor about what could be causing it. They can run tests to determine whether there is something else going on. If nothing else, they can prescribe medication to treat the symptoms.