Hair Loss Treatment Online
Losing your hair can feel like losing a part of yourself. It's not just about looks; it's about how you see yourself and how you think others see you, too. It can be challenging, whether it's a few extra strands in your brush or patches that seem to get bigger each day. And with all the quick fixes and many solutions, it takes time to figure out where to turn.
At Mobi Doctor, we're here to help you understand why you're losing hair and find the proper treatment. We don't just focus on treating hair loss; we also care about your overall health. Our team provides easy-to-understand information and friendly support, making sure you feel listened to and cared for every step of the way.
Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss, also called alopecia, means losing hair or having bald spots on your scalp or body. It can happen differently, like hair thinning over time or suddenly losing hair. Hair loss can be caused by genetics (running in the family), hormone changes, specific health problems, or medications.
Understanding the root cause of your hair loss is essential in identifying the most effective treatment plan. Whether it's a temporary phase due to stress or a chronic condition like pattern baldness, knowing the specifics can guide you toward the right solutions and lifestyle adjustments.
Symptoms of Hair Loss
Hair loss can happen in different ways, depending on the cause. Hair loss can happen slowly over time or all of a sudden. Sometimes, it only affects your scalp, but it can also occur on other parts of your body. Here are some common signs of hair loss to watch for:
1. Gradual Thinning of Hair
One of the most common types of hair loss is when the hair on the top of the head gets thinner. This often happens as people get older. Men usually notice their hairline moving back from their forehead, while women may see their hair part getting wider. Older women can also experience frontal fibrosing alopecia, where the hairline slowly moves back.
2. Bald Spots or Patches
Some people lose hair in small, round patches, usually on the scalp but sometimes on the beard or eyebrows. These spots may be itchy or sore before the hair falls out. This type of hair loss is often linked to alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
3. Sudden Hair Shedding
A big emotional or physical shock can cause hair to fall out quickly. This might happen when combing or washing your hair, and you may notice clumps of hair coming out. This hair loss is usually temporary and will improve once the body recovers from the stress.
4. Full Body Hair Loss
In some cases, like during cancer treatment with chemotherapy, people can lose hair all over their body, not just on their head. This hair loss is usually temporary, and the hair often grows back after treatment.
5. Scaly Patches on the Scalp
If you notice scaly, red patches on your scalp, it might be caused by a fungal infection like ringworm. These patches can also make the hair break off, and the skin may be swollen or even ooze. Early treatment is important to stop the infection and prevent further hair loss.
6. Loose Hair in Drains or Brushes
A common sign of hair loss is seeing more hair than usual in your brush, pillow, or shower drain. If this keeps happening, it might indicate you are losing more hair than normal.
7. Itching or Pain on the Scalp
Sometimes, before hair falls out, you might feel itching or pain on your scalp. This could mean an underlying skin problem causing the hair loss.
By spotting these symptoms early, you can talk to a doctor or specialist and find out what’s causing the hair loss. There are many reasons for hair loss, including stress, medical issues, or even genetics. Getting help early can make a big difference in treating or preventing further hair loss.
Hair loss Causes
Hair loss happens for many reasons, and it’s essential to understand what might be causing it. While losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, hair loss becomes a problem when the hair doesn’t grow back. Here are some of the most common causes of hair loss:
1. Family History (Genetics)
The most common cause of hair loss is genetics, meaning it runs in the family. This type of hair loss is called androgenic alopecia, affecting both men and women. It often causes hair to thin on top of the head and form a bald spot in men. In women, it usually results in thinning all over the scalp, especially along the part line. This hair loss tends to happen as people get older, but it can start as early as the teenage years.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also cause hair loss, especially in women. These changes can happen during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, or because of thyroid problems. These changes can lead to hair thinning or patches of baldness, but they’re often temporary, and the hair may grow back once the hormones balance out.
3. Stress or Illness
Hair loss can happen after a stressful event, such as surgery, a high fever, or even emotional stress like losing a loved one. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, which can cause large amounts of hair to fall out suddenly. Thankfully, this kind of hair loss is usually temporary, and hair will grow back once the stress is gone.
4. Medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. These include drugs for cancer (like chemotherapy), heart problems, depression, and high blood pressure. The hair usually grows back once you stop taking the medication, but it may take some time.
5. Poor Nutrition
Not getting enough important nutrients, like iron or protein, can lead to hair loss. If your body isn’t getting the vitamins and minerals it needs, your hair might start thinning or falling out. Eating a balanced diet can help keep your hair healthy and strong.
6. Hairstyles and Treatments
Wearing your hair in tight styles, like ponytails or braids, can pull on it and cause it to fall out. This is called traction alopecia. Using harsh hair treatments, like perms, bleaching, or hot oils, can also damage your hair and lead to hair loss. If the hair follicles get damaged, the hair might not grow back.
7. Infections
Sometimes, infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections, like ringworm, can make hair fall out in small, scaly patches. Bacterial infections of the scalp can also cause hair to thin. Treating the infection can help the hair grow back.
Hair loss can happen for different reasons, but identifying the cause is the first step to fixing it. Knowing what's causing the hair loss can help you find the right treatment and take steps to prevent further loss, whether due to stress, genetics, or something else.
Hair Loss Diagnosis
If you’re losing more hair than usual, seeing a doctor to figure out why is important. Hair loss can happen for many reasons, and diagnosing it helps find the right treatment. Here’s how doctors typically figure out what’s causing hair loss:
1. Medical History
The first thing a doctor will do is ask about your health. They'll want to know if you've been sick recently, had surgery, or gone through something stressful. Your family history is important, too, as hair loss can run in families. If your parents or other relatives have experienced hair loss, it might help explain why it's happening to you.
Doctors will also ask about your diet and any medications you’re taking, as some vitamin deficiencies or medications can cause hair loss.
2. Physical Examination
The next step is a close look at your scalp. The doctor will check for signs of infection, redness, or irritation, which could be clues to what's causing your hair loss. They may also examine the condition of your hair to see if it's thinning evenly or falling out in patches.
3. Hair Pull and Comb Tests
Doctors sometimes use a "pull test" to check how much hair is falling out. They’ll gently tug on a small section of hair to see if more comes out than normal. Another test is called the "comb test," where you comb your hair for a minute, and the doctor counts how many strands fall out. These tests help show if you’re losing more hair than usual.
4. Blood Tests
In some cases, doctors will order blood tests to look for issues inside your body that might be causing hair loss. These tests can check how well your thyroid works, as thyroid problems can lead to hair thinning. They may also check your iron levels, as low iron (anaemia) can cause hair to fall out. Blood tests can also help determine if you have any other health conditions affecting your hair.
5. Scalp Biopsy
If the doctor can't determine what's causing your hair loss, they might do a scalp biopsy. This means the doctor will take a small piece of skin from your scalp and send it to a lab for testing. This can help find infections, skin issues, or conditions like alopecia areata, where your body's immune system attacks your hair follicles.
Diagnosing hair loss involves asking questions about your health and family history, examining your scalp, and doing tests if needed. Once the cause is found, your doctor can recommend treatments to help manage the problem. Getting diagnosed early can make a big difference in stopping further hair loss and finding ways to regrow your hair.
Hair Loss Treatment Online
Hair loss can be treated differently, depending on what's causing it and its severity. Treatments can include medications, surgery, and other special therapies. Here's a look at some of the most common ways to treat hair loss:
1. Medications
Medications are often the first thing doctors recommend for hair loss, especially for people with male or female pattern baldness. Here are two common options:
- Minoxidil is a lotion or foam you put on your scalp to help hair grow. It improves blood flow to the hair follicles, making hair grow stronger and thicker. Both men and women can use it, and you don't need a prescription. However, you have to use it regularly for it to work.
- Finasteride: This pill is mainly for men with hair loss. It stops a hormone called DHT from shrinking hair follicles, which helps slow hair loss and may lead to new hair growth. Finasteride is a prescription medication, and you should take it under a doctor's supervision because it can have side effects.
- Corticosteroids: Doctors may give you anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids if your hair loss is caused by an autoimmune condition (where your immune system attacks your hair follicles). These medicines can help stop hair loss and allow hair to regrow.
2. Surgical Treatments
If medications aren’t enough, surgery might be an option.
Hair Transplant Surgery: Doctors move hair from the back or sides of your scalp (where hair is still thick) to the balding areas. This works well for people with hereditary hair loss and can provide long-term results. Since hair loss can continue, more than one procedure might be needed.
3. Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This newer treatment uses light energy to help hair follicles grow stronger. It can help reduce hair loss and encourage new growth. LLLT is painless and can be used by both men and women.
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves drawing blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the scalp. The platelets contain growth factors that can help hair follicles become stronger and grow more hair. PRP is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss.
5. Stem Cell Therapy (Regenera Activa)
This is an advanced treatment that uses your stem cells to help your hair grow. Doctors take stem cells from healthy areas of your scalp and inject them into the thinning areas to stimulate new hair growth. Stem cell therapy is considered safe and effective for people with thinning hair.
6. Treating Underlying Causes
Sometimes, hair loss is caused by other health issues, like thyroid problems, hormone changes, or poor nutrition. In these cases, fixing the underlying problem can help stop hair loss. For example, if a thyroid problem is causing hair loss, treating the thyroid can help the hair grow back. Eating a balanced diet or taking supplements can also help if you lose hair because of a lack of nutrients.
How Mobi Doctor Can Help?
If hair loss is on your mind, Mobi Doctor is here to help.
You can start by filling out our easy questionnaire to share your concerns and symptoms. After that, you can talk to a healthcare professional specialising in hair loss. They'll listen to your story, check your condition, and help you create a treatment plan. We prescribe a range of oral and topical medications.
We take your privacy seriously, so your consultations will stay confidential. With Mobi Doctor, you'll get expert advice and support and feel confident that you're making the right choices for your hair loss treatment. You can get clear and professional help right from your phone.
Please reach out to Mobi Doctor today for personal advice on how to manage your hair loss. Together, we'll find the best way to have healthier hair and more confidence.