Bhanu Garg in Health

What doctor to see for Hair Loss 2023 Updated

Hair loss can occur at any age and can be quite frustrating. Our hair and hairstyle are vital parts of defining ourselves as individuals, and losing one’s hair can be worrisome. There are hundreds of reasons why we lose our hair, each with a somewhat distinct loss pattern and a varied long-term outlook. Effective treatments are available, and while they may not be able to ‘cure’ the disease, many may replace lost hair and stop or reduce advancement.

But how can you tell whether you’re suffering or having a serious case of hair loss? Which doctor to consult for hair loss, and When is the best time to see a hair loss specialist or a hair restoration specialist? This blog may help you out.

What are the Main causes of hair loss?

The average person loses 50 to 100 hairs every day. Because new hair is growing simultaneously, this is typically not evident. The hair results from the non-replacement of fallen hairs by new hair.

Hair loss is typically affected by one or more of the following factors:

Genetics – When we talk of hereditary hair loss, we talk to either male or female pattern baldness. Contrary to popular opinion, hair loss genes are inherited from both parents.
Hair thinning – Hair thinning occurs naturally with age, but having these genes increases your chances of suffering more significant, earlier-onset thinning. While there is no treatment for hereditary hair loss, there are actions you may take to address hair thinning.
Trauma and stress – Stress and hair loss are closely linked. When your stress levels rise, you may notice hair loss. This hair loss might involve things like work stress, a hectic lifestyle, having a new baby, or even losing someone important to you. Stress can cause a rise in testosterone levels, which converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and disrupts the hair growth cycle.
Stress also reduces blood flow via the capillaries, limiting oxygen, nutrient intake, and vitamin delivery to the follicle.
Diet and nutrition – Because healthy hair grows from inside, our food can greatly impact hair loss. Hair develops from the scalp by absorbing vitamins and nutrients supplied from the foods we eat.
Following a healthy balanced diet also guarantees good hair, although we all know that people may use restricted diets for various reasons. If you believe you are not getting all of your hair’s nutrients, such as zinc, iron, biotin, or vitamin B, supplements can assist.
Health issues and medication – Hair thinning can be caused by thyroid issues, hormonal changes in women after pregnancy, or menopause. It might also be a drug side effect. The hair follicle is extremely sensitive to bodily changes.
The use of any hormonal treatment (including birth control), steroids, particular chemotherapies, and medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease might cause hair loss. Always visit your doctor if you are concerned about hair loss. A doctor can identify and treat the underlying cause of hair loss.
Environmental factors of thinning hair – Environmental variables that contribute to hair thinning. While it may seem surprising, the components in our immediate environment can also affect our hair. Pollutants in the air and water, chlorine, metals, and minerals can be left on the scalp and hair, contributing to hair loss. Pollutants such as pseudo-estrogens and poisons produced by our bodies also have a role. Sun exposure can also result in hair loss, particularly if the hair is already thin, exposing the scalp.

All the factors mentioned above affect individuals differently and should be consulted as early as possible to prevent irreversible damage.

Whom to consult for hair loss?

Dermatologists are specialists that expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss. Dermatologists are specially trained to detect, diagnose, and treat medical issues affecting your hair, skin, and nails, including all types of hair loss.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, you may seek expert help by making an appointment with the best dermatologist near you. You can also consult your primary care physician, who will be able to diagnose your hair loss or recommend you to a dermatologist for more expert therapy.

Hair loss specialists may prescribe drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride and hair loss shampoos, conditioners, and other hair loss treatments to treat hair loss. In addition to dermatologists, some plastic surgeons specialize in treating hair loss. These physicians may provide surgical hair restoration techniques such as hair transplant surgery.

Although males account for most hair loss cases, hair loss specialists also treat female pattern hair loss.

What Tests to diagnose the cause of hair loss –

If your hair loss isn’t genetic, a hair loss specialist or dermatologist can help you figure out what’s causing it by doing one of many tests:

Blood tests – Many hair loss specialists utilize blood tests to check out medical diseases that might cause hair thinning and loss, such as thyroid illness.
Scalp biopsies – If the cause of your hair loss is not clear, your hair loss doctor may recommend a scalp biopsy. A little piece of skin from your scalp is carefully removed for testing and analysis during this process.
Hair pull test – If you have telogen effluvium, a hair loss specialist may gently pluck some of your hairs off your scalp. This pull test is used to detect active hair loss.
DHT testing – If you have male pattern baldness, your hair loss specialist may offer a serum DHT test to determine the total quantity of dihydrotestosterone (a hormone that can destroy hair follicles) in your system.

What are available Treatment Options to treat hair loss?

Once your dermatologist has diagnosed the cause of your hair loss, they will decide if treatment is likely to be helpful. Treatments can either increase hair growth or decrease future hair loss. It’s important to remember that age-related or hereditary hair loss may not be reversible.

Over counter medication – Patients who have a medical condition that causes hair loss, such as a thyroid problem or infection, must first treat the underlying disease before addressing the hair loss. Your dermatologist may recommend you to a specialist for treatment in some situations. If you have a medical problem such as alopecia areata, your dermatologist may prescribe medication or suggest an over-the-counter remedy.
Laser treatment – Some patients may benefit from in-office treatments as well. Corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy are some of the therapies available. You may need to repeat treatments before you see an improvement in your hair growth.
Lifestyle modifications – It’s also worth noting that your dermatologist may advise you to make lifestyle adjustments to avoid future hair loss. These changes might involve adjusting your diet and avoiding particular hairstyles and hair items.

Conclusion – Hair loss may be upsetting, whether caused by genetics, an illness, or even stress. Know that there are several treatments available to you, and skilled dermatologists are there to assist you. They can help you in the best possible way to prevent your hair loss via numerous treatment options. Consult your doctor as soon as you think something is wrong because the sooner you begin treatment, the better. You can find the best dermatologist at Kauvery Hospital Chennai, for hair loss treatment at credihealth.

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