How do dermatologists treat alopecia in Washington, DC?

Alopecia is the technical term for hair loss, stemming from a wide range of underlying causes. While people often associate hair loss with aging men, it can affect both sexes and people ranging in age.

What can be done to treat hair loss?

There are several treatment options for hair loss, ranging from lifestyle changes to medication and more invasive procedures. Dr. Cheryl Burgess at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, DC, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in diagnosing the underlying causes of hair loss. She can help you determine which approach to treatment is right for you.

What are the potential causes of hair loss?

Hair loss can be caused by a wide variety of issues and treatment should be based on the findings of a board-certified physician like Dr. Burgess. She can help you determine the cause of your hair loss, which will make your treatment more effective and longer-lasting.

Alopecia is the medical term to describe hair loss, but there are different types of alopecia depending on the underlying causes. You could be losing hair due to common lifestyle influences, like stress or medical conditions. Or you could be losing hair in response to a change in hormones or medication. 

Androgenetic alopecia is a type of hair loss more commonly referred to as male pattern baldness, though it can also affect women. It is a hereditary issue resulting from changes in your hormones that cause your hair follicles to shrink and hair to fall out. 

Effluvium is another type of alopecia relating to an interrupted hair growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and if one is affected, it can result in hair loss. This interruption may be caused by a variety of life changes, including crash dieting, unexpected trauma, medications or surgery.  

Another type of alopecia is alopecia areata. This is a less common cause related to a specific autoimmune disorder that leads the body to attack its hair follicles, reducing hair growth.

Dr. Burgess specializes in identifying the different potential causes of hair loss and can recommend a treatment based on your symptoms and your specific goals.

Why is it important to see a dermatologist about hair loss?

Hair loss can often point to more complex issues occurring in the body, which may be affecting your overall health. A dermatologist like Dr. Burgess can diagnose the source of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan to slow or reverse hair loss while shining light on the underlying causes and what preventative steps can be taken in the future. 

To find out more about the underlying causes of your hair loss or what treatment options are available to you, call Dr. Burgess for a consultation at (202) 955-5757.