Before a doctor makes a diagnosis, he will most likely first give you a physical examination and obtain more information about your family history and medical history. He might perform tests that may include:
- Blood test– to help uncover medical conditions that may be related to hair loss.
- Pull test– the physician will gently tuck several dozen hairs to assess whether they come out. This can indicate the stage of the shedding process.
- Scalp biopsy– samples of the skin are scraped, or a few hairs are taken from the scalp to evaluate the hair roots. This can assist in seeing if an infection is a cause for hair loss.
- Light microscopy– A special instrument is used for examining hairs trimmed at the bases. Microscopy can help with uncovering probable disorders of the hair shaft.
Treatment
Hair Transplant
In the most commonplace kind of enduring hair loss, only the top of the head is influenced. Restoration surgery or hair transplant can be a viable solution in making the most of the remaining hair. During hair transplant procedures, a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist takes away small patches of skin, each one possessing one or a few hairs, from the side or back of the scalp. There are options like foltina plus and others to consider.
In some cases, larger strips of skin with multiple hairs are taken. This is then implanted hair follicle by follicle into the bald areas. Some doctors suggest using minoxidil after a transplant to help with minimizing hair loss. You may necessitate more than one surgery at https://groclinics.com.au/hair-transplant to obtain the result you want. Hereditary hair loss will eventually continue irrespective of surgery. Surgical procedures for treating baldness can be painful and are expensive. Probable risks may include scarring and bleeding.
Medication
If your hair loss is because of an underlying disease, treatment of the illness will be required. This may include medication for reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, for instance, prednisone. If a particular medication is causing loss of hair, your physician may advise you to stop taking it for about three months. There are drugs available for treating hereditary (pattern) baldness. These options include:
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
A non-prescription medication approved for women and men. It comes in foam or liquid form that is rubbed into the scalp daily. It may cause hair shedding at first, and new hair may be thinner and shorter than previous hair. Treatment is necessary for at least six months to avoid further hair loss and to begin hair regrowth. The medication must be applied continuously to attain benefits. Probable side-effects may include rapid heart rate, unwanted hair growth on the flanking side of the hands and face, and scalp irritation.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Prescription medication for men, which is taken daily in pill form. The drug may cause a slowing of hair loss and some new hair growth. It may not be helpful for men over sixty. Rare side-effects include enhanced risk of prostate cancer and diminished libido and sexual function. Pregnant women must avoid touching broken or crushed tablets.
Other Medications
Men can take oral medication dutasteride, and for women, spironolactone and oral contraceptives are options.