About Hair loss conditions and treatments at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta
Not all hair loss conditions are genetic in nature, so it is important to make sure your hair loss problem is properly diagnosed in order to determine how to treat it most effectively.
Hair loss conditions can be frustrating for anyone who encounters such issues, including men, women, and even children. Therefore, the providers of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta strive to ensure that every patient leaves the practice fully informed about their hair loss prevention and hair loss treatment options.
Hair Loss Causes
Determining the cause of hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be difficult as there are countless variables to the condition. However, with help from a good doctor, you can determine the cause(s) of your hair loss. Dermatologists who specialize in hair loss disorders are usually a good source to determine the root of the problem.
While there are numerous causes for hair loss disorders, the most common cause is patterned baldness. There are many myths about patterned baldness, but genes for baldness are equally passed from both parents to all children. However, the genes for baldness may not express themselves due to unpredictable variables. Genetic patterned baldness is hereditary, progressive, and permanent. Usually, the earlier baldness starts, the worse it will progress.
Sudden, temporary hair loss may occur due to flu, pneumonia, stress, pituitary gland disorders, low thyroid activity, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, tuberculosis, or cancer. Sudden hair loss is frightening, but in most cases, hair returns once the illness is gone or managed.
Scarring, accidents, burns, and surgery (if scars are placed in the scalp) can also cause hair loss. Hot oil treatments, hair care chemicals, and low protein diets can make hair fragile and eventually lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss can be permanent.
Alopecia areata is another common cause of hair loss. It is a disease that causes the body to form antibodies against its own follicles. Alopecia areata causes sudden hair loss in smooth, circular patterns on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows, and can be the result of stress, genetics, or immune system deficiencies.
Traction alopecia is caused by certain hairstyles in which hair is pulled too tightly. Traction alopecia can cause scarring of the scalp and can eventually lead to permanent hair loss.
Men’s Hair Loss
Men’s hair loss is usually associated with male pattern baldness. While hair loss is more expected in men, it can be just as embarrassing and traumatic when men begin losing their hair as for women. Men can adjust to their baldness, but that is not the only option. There are medicines to help prevent further hair loss.
Women’s Hair Loss
Women’s hair loss follows a different pattern than male pattern baldness, and it often has different causes as well. The causes may include androgenetic alopecia (inherited patterned baldness), stress, changes in hormones, menopause, birth control pills, illness, anemia, rapid weight loss, and even certain medications. Pregnancy slows down the body’s normal hair shedding process, so some women may experience post-partum hair loss.
Finding the underlying cause for hair loss is the key for preventing further loss and finding a solution. To provide women with more specialized and comprehensive treatment for hair loss, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is home to the Center for Women’s Hair Loss, the only facility in Georgia dedicated exclusively to addressing women’s hair loss with the expertise it requires.
Children’s Hair Loss
Similar to men and women’s hair loss, the causes of children’s hair loss are sometimes difficult to identify. Common myths involving children’s hair loss causes include vitamin deficiency, poor circulation in the scalp, headbands, hats, and cold weather. Trauma from an accident, birth defects, surgical scarring, and alopecia areata are some possible causes for hair loss in children.
Hair Loss Prevention
The onset of hair loss is difficult to prevent because no one knows when and if they will experience hair loss. However, once you’ve realized that your hair is thinning, there are hair loss medications that are proven to help prevent further hair loss including Propecia® (finesteride), and topical Rogaine® (5% minoxidil). Rogaine® and Propecia® are FDA-approved to slow the progression of hair loss. Oral medications, such as Propecia® and Avodart®, work better for re-growing hair. Oral medications show better results when used in conjunction with topical medications. Our hair restoration specialists will provide you with a prevention/treatment plan to meet your specific hair loss needs. Our team may also prescribe other prescription compounds containing medications like Retin-A and others for your hair loss prevention requirements.
*Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant one day should not take Propecia® because it can cause birth defects.
Hair Restoration Options
Thanks to advances in technology and medical research, there are numerous non-surgical hair restoration options.
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- Red Light Laser Therapy: a device that exposes your scalp to focused, red-spectrum light, reducing inflammation and increasing the energy production around individual hair follicles
- Natural Growth Factors: a treatment that uses components of your own blood to stimulate shrinking hair follicles, reversing the thinning process and facilitating fuller, thicker hair growth
- Custom Blended Prescription Medications: specially formulated custom blends of topical prescription medications to meet your specific needs
- Micropigmentation: a tattoo-like treatment provided by a micropigmentation specialist who uses ink to mimic the appearance of active hair follicles on the scalp, camouflaging hair loss
- AQ Advanced Hair Complex: a topical serum for the scalp which uses GF technology (growth factors) to restore health to your hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth
- Viviscal® Professional: an oral supplement containing nutrients like biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin C, apple extract, amino acids, and a unique complex called AminoMar® to nourish the hair follicles from within to encourage fuller growth
To protect and enhance your hair growth, you need a customized treatment plan that accounts for all of your needs and goals. To get started and find out the best path for your hair, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule your appointment.
Hair Loss FAQS
How do you determine the cause of each patient’s hair loss?
All of our dedicated providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta specialize in treating hair, skin, and nails. Based on your medical history, your symptoms, and a physical exam, your provider will be able to either determine why you have hair loss or determine what other tests are necessary to get a definitive answer.
Why do you have a specialty center dedicated to treating hair loss in women?
Male and female hair loss can occur in very different ways. For instance, 95% of men who lose their hair are suffering from inherited male pattern baldness. While most women experience a genetic form of hair loss too, other factors like underlying illness, hormonal changes, physical or emotional stress, or certain medications may also play a role. Therefore, diagnosing and treating hair loss should be approached differently in women than it is in men, and the Center for Women’s Hair Loss answers this need.
