Hair Loss

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss may occur from any number of causes. The most common include:

Hereditary hair loss

Hereditary hair loss affects men and women and is the most common cause. It’s called male- or female-pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia. 

Age

As you get older, your hair follicles stop growing hair, causing it to thin and lose color.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation may also cause hair loss. 

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause may affect hair growth, causing temporary hair loss. Thyroid disorders can also affect hair growth, leading to hair loss.

Hair care

Your hairstyle or the hair products you use may damage the hair follicles and cause hair thinning. 

Alopecia areata

Alopecia is a rare autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks and destroys your hair follicles.

When should I seek help for hair loss?

You should seek professional help for your hair loss from the team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania if you find the changes in the thickness or health of your hair distressing.

There are many effective treatments for hair loss, and the earlier you start treatment, the better chance you have of restoring your hair growth.

What happens during a hair loss evaluation?

The Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania team conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in looking for help with hair loss. The team focuses on finding the cause of your hair loss so they can provide the most effective treatment.

Your dermatologist asks detailed questions about your hair loss, including when you first noticed changes. They review your medical history and family history and examine your scalp. 

The team may run blood work or do a scalp biopsy to look for a medical condition that might explain your hair loss.

What are my treatment options for hair loss?

You have many treatment options for hair loss. However, treatment depends on the cause. Options include:

• Change in hairstyle
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications or shampoos
• Prescription medications
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Laser therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hair transplants

When it comes to hair loss, no single treatment works for all. Your dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania works closely with you, designing a plan that gives you the best possible results.

You can slow down hair loss and possibly reverse the effects. Call Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania or request a hair loss appointment online today.