Everything You Need To Know If You Have Hair Loss or Scalp Issues – A Dermatologist advice

Dermatologists are experts in addressing a wide variety of scalp issues including hair loss. However, due to limited treatment options for hair loss, most individuals suffer from hair loss for an extended period while spending significant amounts of time and financial resources to address their hair loss by themselves.

 It should be noted that most people seek consultation with a variety of specialists who lack sufficient experience in addressing hair loss. If you wish to treat your hair thinning as well as resolving your scalp issues, you should only consult a dermatologist.

What Is the Role of a Dermatologist in Addressing your Hair Loss

The first step in starting an effective treatment plan is identifying the underlying cause of hair loss. Getting an accurate diagnosis of your hair loss requires a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. 

These medical professionals have an in-depth understanding of the numerous factors that contribute to hair loss. Their expertise is paramount to managing different types of alopecia (hair loss). 

Your hair loss may be secondary to a recent illness, vitamin deficiency, hormone imbalance, autoimmune condition or possible bacterial or fungus infection. In RemoteDerm online dermatology platform, dermatologists are more than capable in discovering the underlying cause of your hair loss and properly addressing it. 

There may be instances where your dermatologist will require further information. It’s possible that someone’s hair loss is due to multiple factors, in which case, further tests and biopsies are required. For instance, a patient may have given birth a few months ago, but is now experiencing profound hair loss, a condition which is called Telogen Effluvium. 

It’s also possible that she suffers from an early genetic hair loss disorder called female pattern hair loss, which was not noticeable till now. We are seeing a significant increase in patients suffering from Telogen Effluvium due to recent diagnosis with COVID-19. 

How Can a Dermatologist Reverse Your Hair Loss Process?

“I’m experiencing hair loss; can your dermatologist help?” It’s a question that comes up routinely when we are interacting with new patients at RemoteDerm. Dermatologists are often consulted by patients suffering from a variety of hair loss disorders as well as skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, or skin cancer.
Nevertheless, your dermatologist is qualified to treat any issues relating to your hair, scalp and nails. Hair loss and hair shedding are common conditions that our dermatologist encounters on a daily basis. 

Over 40% of Canadian women and 4 million Canadian men have some kind of hair loss. Many people choose to disregard the problem or are just ignorant of the excessive amount of shedding. 

Some people choose to let it fall and then shave it all off, while others prefer to cover it up with wigs, or hats. However, the situation may be upsetting and emotionally taxing for some individuals, and it may even have an impact on their day-to-day life.

At this point, tackling your hair loss requires more than just purchasing shampoo or an over-the-counter product. It is important that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible in order to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss.

When Should You See a Dermatologist for Scalp and Hair Loss Issues?

A certain number of hair shafts are naturally shed every day, and this is normal. The problem is when you lose a large amount of hair. In most cases, minor hair loss is caused by your body producing new, healthy, and shiny hair to replace the old one. In fact, it is normal to lose 100 hair strands a day.

Pay attention to what you usually see on your brush or bathroom floor if you aren’t sure if your shedding rate is normal. Whenever you notice that your hair loss has increased or your ponytail has become less voluminous, or your scalp has become part of your forehead, then you are losing more than usual! The hair loss you are experiencing should be addressed by a dermatologist at this time.

There are other scalp conditions that our dermatologist could provide assistance with, including scalp psoriasis. There are several treatment options available for scalp psoriasis. It is possible for some individuals to find relief by using a medicated shampoo or another over-the-counter treatment that does not require a prescription.

It is recommended that you consult a dermatologist for scalp conditions if the psoriasis does not clear up after using this form of therapy. Dermatologists can effectively treat hair loss and scalp issues associated with scalp psoriasis including itching, scaling, hair loss, and bleeding.

It is recommended that you schedule an online appointment with one of our board certified dermatologists as soon as possible. This is if you have been suffering from persistent hair loss and itchy scalp without an obvious cause.

 Our dermatologist will perform a detailed analysis of your past medical history to have a better understanding of your overall health to be assured that recommended medications would be effective as well as safe for you.

The Causes of Hair Loss According to Dermatologists

There are many different reasons why women lose hair suddenly, making it difficult to determine the cause. Genetic hair loss, for instance, is beyond your control; however, some types of hair loss, such as Telogen Effluvium, can be controlled and compensated if detected early.

Some reasons for sudden hair loss in women occur suddenly, while others are gradual over time. Male and female hair loss can be caused by the following factors:

• Genetic Reasons Might Lead You to Visit a Dermatologist for Hair Loss

Genetic hair loss can affect people of any gender. Women usually experience hair loss at the crown of their heads, whereas men typically experience hair loss along their hairline. 

Although it is not possible to stop hair loss completely, there are treatments (such as minoxidil or finasteride) that can slow down and prolong the process. As a result, it is advisable to begin treatment as soon as possible

• Pregnancy in Women

During pregnancy, most women notice that their hair grows rapidly. The body produces more estrogen when pregnant, which causes hair growth. Not only does hair grow more during pregnancy, but it also remains on the head for a longer period of time, which means natural hair loss will not occur. 

Once estrogen levels return to normal after giving birth, a natural cycle of hair growth will begin. The thick, lush hair you’ve accumulated over the past ten months gradually sheds. There are some women who experience mild hair loss after giving birth, and there are others who experience considerable hair loss for long periods of time.

• Lack of Nutrients 

Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining healthy and shiny hair. Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), biotin, and protein are all associated with a variety of hair loss conditions.

 An accurate diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies is usually achieved through a consultation with a dermatologist and a blood test. Your dermatologist will recommend supplements to help you replenish your body’s nutrients in such cases.

• Scalp Issues such as Psoriasis May Require Consultation with a Dermatologist 

If your scalp becomes inflamed and itchy, you may be tempted to scratch it. However, this may result in more hair loss than usual. When it comes to treating dandruff, there are some situations where over-the-counter products can be used, such as shampoos containing zinc sulfate.

However, if the over the counter medications are not effective, then our board certified dermatologist would be able prescribe potential and effective medications to resolve your dandruff.

• Severe Stress and Anxiety

Whenever you are affected by a stressful event that is very different from ordinary daily stress (i.e., death of a loved one, breakup, job loss, etc.), you may notice a temporary halt in hair growth during the period, this condition is called Telogen Effluvium.

You need to be aware that not all your hair grows at the same rate. A few hairs are in the growth phase, others are in the resting phase, while others are falling out. When you suffer from severe emotional stress, your body stops producing hair, and after a period of time, hair production resumes its natural activity. Physical stress is no different. 

When you undergo major surgery, are hospitalized for a prolonged period, or lose a significant amount of weight, for example, your body temporarily stops the growth of your hair. During pandemics, COVID-19 causes a significant increase in the number of patients suffering from Telogen Effluvium. There is usually 3-4 months delay between onset of illness and occurrence of your hair loss. It takes a few months for hair growth to recover to its base line. 

Effective Home Remedies for an Itchy Scalp

There can be a number of factors that may cause an itchy scalp. This type of itching is commonly caused by dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and head lice. To address scalp issues, there are many home remedies that can produce positive results without the necessity of seeing a dermatologist.

 In this article, we will provide you with home remedies for itchy scalps, a common and distressing issue. It is easy to prepare the materials mentioned here since they are readily available:

• Warmed olive oil can eliminate the need to see a dermatologist for scalp issues: Aside from being a great moisturizer, olive oil also soothes sensitive skin by acting as an anti-inflammatory. There should be a tiny amount of it applied to your scalp if you have psoriasis plaques. If you prefer, you can add two teaspoons (tsp) of warmed olive oil to your bath water for a relaxing soak. 
• Organic Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a risk-free choice with little, if any, side effects when used topically. Although coconut oil can help psoriasis, it isn’t a successful treatment on its own. The treatment is often used as a moisturizing addition to other therapies.
• Colloidal Oats: Colloidal oatmeal has been used successfully in dermatology for a long time. It is a natural substance with a strong safety record that has been shown to be effective for treating atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and drug-induced rashes.
• Apple Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has natural antibacterial properties that may help reduce the itching and irritation associated with psoriasis. Additionally, it is said to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier by restoring its pH balance.
• Peppermint Oil: The itching and suffering you experience in and around psoriasis patches may be lessened by peppermint oil. Additionally, this oil may reduce the irritation brought on by everything from scabies infestations to herpes blisters

How and When to See a Dermatologists for Hair Loss & Scalp Issues

You might experience hair loss due to a variety of reasons, including scalp diseases that can result in hair loss. You can try home remedies and common medications like Minoxidil, but we recommend that you see a dermatologist as soon as possible if you are not able to address your hair or scalp issues on your own.

 You can have a same-day appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists at RemoteDerm if you are experiencing hair loss! If your strands of hair are falling, your hair is not as shiny as before, or if your scalp skin has problems such as redness or dandruff, you can get a same-day appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. Our board Certified Dermatologists diagnose your conditions in the comfort of your home and fax prescriptions to your local pharmacy. There is no wait time and no referral needed to connect with one of our board-certified dermatologists.