Anyone can experience hair disorders, but it’s more common in men, and age is also a factor.

Hair loss can occur gradually or very suddenly and can affect your scalp, eyebrows, beard, and even your whole body. Some types of hair disorders are temporary – for example, as a result of stress, chemotherapy, childbirth, and menopause. Some types of hair falling out can, of course, be permanent.

There are a variety of treatments available to prevent further hair disorders and, in some cases, restore hair growth. Treatments for permanent hair loss include hair transplants and tattooing.

You may have tried a variety of different remedies and supplements for your hair loss and be feeling a sense of despair because nothing has helped so far.

If you are experiencing hair loss, the sooner you can get to the root cause and receive the right treatment, the better.

Here are some of the potential reasons for your hair falling out.

1. Hair Loss-Genetic predisposition

If there are hereditary hair disorders in your family, you may be predisposed to losing your hair prematurely. Male or female pattern baldness tends to run in the family, so it is worth finding out if this is something other family members have experienced, now or in the past.

2. Hair Disorders-Health causes

If you have had an illness, have undergone an operation, are experiencing thyroid deficiency or have been prescribed certain drugs, you can experience hair disorder. Autoimmune conditions can cause hair loss, such as alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus, or lichen planopilaris.

3. Hair falling out -Medication

Drugs and treatments that can cause hair falling out to include antiepileptics, antivirals, anticoagulants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antimalarials, antithyroid drugs, beta-blockers, and retinoids. Excessive Vitamin A and some types of birth control can also cause hair loss.

4. Hair Loss-Lifestyle causes

Following a rigorous diet can be linked to hair loss, as can crash dieting. Excessive sun exposure can also be a factor. And as both active and passive smoking can worsen male or female pattern baldness, these are to be avoided.

5. Tight hairstyles

Hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair can cause hair loss. If you tend to wear your hair in tight haircuts – braiding, cornrows, hair extensions, tight ponytails, and dreads – it’s essential to give your hair a break from these styles and give your hair a chance to recover.

The sooner you find out what’s causing your hair falling out and take steps to stop it, the better your results.

You can find more information on the American Academy of Dermatology website: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding.

I can offer a diagnosis of complex cases and personalized treatment based on your particular needs. I can provide you with advice via online video consultation and still offer face-to-face consultations for urgent cases. To arrange a meeting with me, Dr. Anastasia Therianou, an expert in dermatological care for hair loss and mole problems, call 0203 869 5134 or 0203 464 4884.

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Dermatologists treat over 3,000 skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and skin cancers, plus a huge variety of nail and hair conditions.

As well as prescribing topical and oral treatments, dermatologists are trained to carry out skin surgery, laser treatments, and more. With such expertise dermatologists are the best people to diagnose and treat your medical condition.

Skin conditions

Common reasons for a referral to a dermatologist include eczema, psoriasis, severe acne, and acne scars. But the skin is a complex organ and there are in fact over 3,000 skin diseases, with about 20 of them accounting for the vast majority of dermatologists’ workload. In recent years, skin cancers have increasingly been added to this workload, due in part to holidays abroad and the erroneous belief that tanned skin is healthy. There are also many underlying systemic diseases that manifest as skin rashes.

Nail conditions

Fungal infections are a very common nail condition treated by dermatologists. Beyond infections, a dermatologist can also diagnose a range of abnormal growths within the nail. Some of these nail growths can be benign but may also be viral warts, fibroid tumors, or malignant growths. Symptoms and signs of nail conditions can include discoloration, scaling, or the nail ‘lifting’ so it is no longer completely attached.

Hair conditions

A dermatologist is the best person to diagnose and provide hair loss treatments, which can be the result of a wide variety of conditions. These include anaemia, alopecia areata, male pattern baldness, hair follicles, female pattern, and many different autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, traction, and baldness. Female hair loss can also occur due to polycystic ovary syndrome, after pregnancy and during menopause.

What can a dermatologist diagnose?

Many scalp, hair, and nail conditions can be diagnosed by a thorough physical examination. The consultant will also review your medical history, ask about the symptoms, and examine the affected area.

In some cases, certain tests such as dermoscopy, a blood test, a skin swab, or skin biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis, or a trichometry or trichoscopy with video dermatoscopy.

You should seek medical advice when you first notice a medical condition. Consult your GP first for common problems such as mild acne, rosacea, and minor rashes.

They may refer you to a dermatologist if a specialized diagnosis and treatment is required. Seeking a consultation early will reduce the potential risks and complications that may arise due to the dermatological condition.

Dr Anastasia Therianou is a consultant dermatologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a big teaching medical team in a hospital located in central London.

While she covers general dermatology including acne, psoriasis, and eczema, her particular interest areas are: hair and nail disorders, skin cancers, and complex skin diseases.

Dr Anastasia Therianou is one of the few dermatologists in the UK who specializes in hair loss.  To arrange a consultation book an appointment with Dr. Anastasia Therianou, an expert in dermatological care for hair loss and mole problems by phoning 0203 869 5134 or 0203 464 4884.

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