Hair loss symptoms and treatment in Washington, D.C.

Hormonal changes, medications, heredity and medical conditions can all cause hair loss. Men are more prone to hair loss, but it can happen to anyone. One major cause for hair loss as you age is hereditary. Speak to a dermatologist about hair loss treatment in Washington, D.C. and evaluate your options before deciding.

Symptoms

The cause of hair loss will determine how it manifests. It might start gradually or suddenly and affect only your scalp or the entire body. Also, some kinds of hair loss can be temporary, while others tend to be lasting.

Some indications of hair loss are:

Hair on top of head starts to thin

This appears in men as well as women with age and is the most common of all types of hair loss. In men, the hair normally starts to recede from the forehead in a line shaped like the letter M. When it comes to women, the hairline on the forehead is undisturbed, but there is likely to be a widening of the part in the hair.

Patchy or round bald spots

Some people may see coin-sized bald spots that are smooth to the touch. Commonly seen on the scalp, these can also affect eyebrows and beards. For some, the skin can turn itchy or painful before hair starts falling out.

Hair suddenly feels loose

Hair can be loosened due to some kind of emotional or physical shock. Gentle tugging, simply washing or combing your hair can result in clumps of hair falling out. This kind of hair loss results in overall thinning.

Loss of hair all over the body

Certain health conditions or medical procedures like chemotherapy for cancer can cause you to lose hair across your body. In such cases, your hair will grow back.

If you see patches of scaling across the scalp, it might be an indication of ringworm. Redness, swelling, broken hair and in some cases, oozing, may also be seen.

Types of Treatment

Some kinds of hair loss are treated by achieving reversal of hair loss or by slowing down further thinning. In certain conditions like alopecia areata or patchy hair loss, it is likely that there will be hair regrowth in a year’s time without the need for any treatment.

Medications as well as surgery to slow down hair loss and boost hair growth are some of the treatment options for hair loss.

Medications

When an underlying condition is causing the hair loss, treating that illness is the solution. This can include medication like prednisone to minimize inflammation and subdue your immune system. If a particular medication is the reason for hair loss, your doctor might suggest stopping it for a minimum of three months.

Some medications that can be used to treat pattern or hereditary baldness are:

Minoxidil or Rogaine

This medication can be used by men as well as women. It is available in foam and liquid form to be rubbed into the scalp daily. Be sure to wash your hands well afterward. Initially, it might lead you to lose hair follicles and the new hair is likely to be thinner and shorter than your previous hair. At a minimum, six months of treatment is essential to prevent additional hair loss and regenerate hair growth. You must keep applying the medication to ensure continued benefits.

Tachycardia or a rapid heart rate, scalp irritation and unwanted growth of hair on the skin nearby are some possible side effects. Therefore, it is important to seek professional guidance from a dermatologist for hair loss treatment in Washington, D.C.

Finasteride or Propecia

A daily pill, it is a prescription drug for men. When taking this medication, a large number of men experience slowdown in hair loss and for some there may be some new hair growth. It has to be taken regularly to ensure continued benefits. This medication might not be as effective in men aged above 60.

Some uncommon side-effects associated with finasteride are a higher risk of prostate cancer and a lower sex drive as well as sexual function. It is important that women who may be or are pregnant do not touch broken or crushed tablets.

More medications

Dutasteride, take orally, is an option for men. Spironolactone and oral contraceptives may be part of the treatment for women.

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