Hair Loss

When hair coverage of the scalp, brows, beard, lashes or other body part decreases in an undesired manner, it can lead to feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness and anxiety. Some hair loss is biologically normal, such as hair thinning of the scalp in both men and women in middle age and beyond. However, some patterns of hair loss are the result of autoimmune disease, fungal infection, folliculitis, malnutrition or hormonal imbalance. A dermatologist can determine the cause of undesired hair loss, and provide treatment options for all different types including otherwise biologically “normal” hair thinning of the scalp.

Did you know…

The cause of hair loss is very often easily determined by an expert dermatologist through the affected pattern of hair thinning or loss. Men and women exhibit different patterns of hair thinning through middle age, and different disease states produce distinct recognizable patterns of hair loss.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Why is it important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for hair loss?

Although the majority of hair loss or thinning in adults is biologically normal, some cases that are detectable by an expert dermatologist can be caused by treatable disease. A subset of these cases cause permanent, scarring hair loss that is much more easily prevented than it is rectified once lost. If hair loss occurs at a very young age, does not match the universal patterns of adult hair loss, or exhibits any other symptoms such as itching, pain or tenderness, consider visiting a dermatology provider.

How is hair loss treated?

Hair loss can often be mitigated with topical and oral medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride. Some causes must be treated with appropriate topical, oral or locally injected anti-inflammatory steroidal or nonsteroidal medications in order to prevent scarring, permanent hair loss. If hair loss has progressed beyond the ability of oral or topical medications to correct, surgical hair restoration procedures can be of benefit.

What are normal hair loss patterns?

Androgenetic alopecia is the term used to describe age-related pattern hair loss. In men, this thinning typically begins at the scalp vertex and progresses forward, along with a receding front hairline. For women, hair loss usually begins at the top of the scalp and spreads outward, and normally does not include frontal recession.