What is hair loss
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are many forms of alopecia, and diagnosis is often complex. Hair loss can be due to hair shedding (telogen effluvium), genetics (pattern hair loss, congenital hair disease), autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease (lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, lupus, alopecia areata, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, folliculitis decalvans), breakage, and many times, a combination of these causes. Hair loss may be an isolated problem but it can also be associated with another disease or condition. It may be temporary or permanent depending on the cause behind the hair loss.
How is hair loss diagnosed?
Your dermatologist will perform a detailed hair examination and medical history. For an ideal examination, we ask that you wash and comb your hair the day before the examination and come into the examination without hair products or extensions. You will be asked about your hair care routines, family history of hair loss, medications, life events, as well as dietary habits. In some cases, a hair biopsy may be performed where usually 2-3 areas of the scalp will be numbed locally and small samples taken with a punch biopsy to tool to be sent to the pathologist for examination. Bloodwork may also be done in some instances.
How is hair loss treated?
The management of hair loss will depend on the type of hair loss that a patient has. It is often a multipronged approach. Stress reduction, oral medications, topical medications, and dietary changes, will all be discussed in detail. Red light caps may have benefit. Platelet-rich plasma therapy has been used in varying types of hair conditions with some success but it is not covered by insurance. Ultimately, in some cases where inflammation has been ruled out but the hair loss has been more extensive, a hair transplant may be considered.
Where Should I Go for Hair Loss Treatment in Ashburn?
The dermatologists at Clear Dermatology have many years of experience in treating hair loss. After a complete evaluation, we’ll be able to confidently suggest a personalized treatment plan to help you potentially regain a healthy head of hair, but in some instances, stabilize the loss of your hair to ultimately prevent worsening of loss. Contact us today at 703-996-4000 to schedule your appointment for a hair loss evaluation.