Posted by Gary, on July 24th, 2007, under MALE HAIR LOSS trichologist, TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
Question: If my hair loss is related to the use of a medication, stress, or a dietary deficiency, is the hair loss usually only temporary if the behaviours causing it are stopped?
Answer: Sometimes the hair loss is temporary and sometimes not. The key is quick and accurate diagnosis and taking the proper action to go after the cause of the hair loss.
Posted by Gary, on July 24th, 2007, under FEMALE HAIR LOSS trichologist, TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
Question: I am 25 year old woman. Up until now I have not had any hair problems whatsoever. But for the past 6 months I have been losing my hair at speed. My front hairline is getting much wider and is getting thinner by the day. Both of my parents have really goods heads of hair, in fact, no one in our whole family has any hair loss. What can I do so that I can get my lost hair back? Is this possible?
Answer: I would first have a good trichologist see you and look for medical causes of hair loss (these can be numerous). The following problems are amongst those that should be considered: anemia, thyroid disease, connective tissue disease, various gynecological conditions and emotional stress. It is also important to review the use of medications that can cause hair loss, such as oral contraceptives, beta-blockers, Vitamin A, and thyroid drugs. Many other medications can also contribute to hair loss so if you are taking any drugs of any type, then that should be looked into as well.
It is possible that a medical condition may be the cause of your hair loss, so before you jump to conclusions that you have genetic hair loss, I would have you checked out for these conditions by one of our trichologists.
So when you have a moment why not call us on 020 7976 6868 and take some advice.
Posted by Gary, on July 24th, 2007, under HAIR LOSS FACTS trichology institute, HAIR LOSS: TRICHOLOGIST AT WORK by Gary Heron, PHOTO FILES (from our London Trichology Clinic), TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
Question: I’m in my twenties and have had scalp dermatitis since my teens. I tend to scratch it pretty badly in my sleep, resulting in small open sores that then scab over. Within the last six or seven months or so, I have developed bald patches as well as diffuse hair loss. There are other things it could be, but is scarring alopecia a possibility? Also, could the hair loss be from the dermatitis itself?
Answer: The best way to determine which alopecia condition you have, is to go to a trichologist with considerable experience in diagnosing the various alopecias to give you an opinion. You may then need to get a biopsy of the area of alopecia and get a trichologist to take a view on the biopsy if there is any doubt on cause. Your history seems to suggest that your constant scratching has produced traction alopecia with possibly some scarring. Sometimes, the alopecia will reverse (Alopecia Areata for example) if you completely stop scratching it.
Clearly, the picking of your hair at night can produce trichotelomania, which is a condition where constant picking or scratching causes hair loss. The diagnosis is always clear on microscopic examination of the scalp. If it only happens in your sleep, put on mittens and sleep with them on. Get a good trichologist to examine you before you startsleeping with the mittens and after a few months. If the mittens works, then the changes that we can see under magnification will demonstrate that you are on the right path. Ordinary dermatitis without picking or scratching should not cause hair loss, unless is is associated with the genetic forms of hair loss.
Again, let me stress as in all cases, if in doubt call one of our trichologists for advice on 020 7976 6868 for peace of mind.
