Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in diseases and conditions that affect the skin. To diagnose and treat alopecia areata, look for a board-certified dermatologist. They have proven, in-depth knowledge and training in their field and must stay updated to renew their certification every few years.
Once your dermatologist has all the necessary information, you'll find out if you have alopecia areata. If you do, your dermatologist will talk with you about how the disease is affecting your life and whether treatment is recommended.
Who Treats Alopecia Areata? Alopecia areata is treated by: Dermatologists, who specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
It's best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it's FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it's important to rule out these causes.
Very few insurance companies cover hair loss treatment...it's generally seen as cosmetic. If you have an underlying non-cosmetic issue that is causing your hair loss (such as certain prostate issues), you can likely get treatment for that issue covered, which may bring back your hair as a side effect.
Alopecia areata patients are often denied coverage because the insurer deemed a treatment or therapy as: Cosmetic and not medically necessary. Inappropriate because it doesn't follow the insurer's step therapy guidelines.
Blood Test Required for Hair Loss
They are Prolactin, Testosterone, DHEA, luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
Symptoms and other signs of hair loss
Intense itching, burning, and tenderness where you have hair loss - If these occur, it's possible that you have an infection. Scaly bald patches, often with sores or blisters that open and ooze pus - This often mean you have a fungal infection on your scalp.
Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose alopecia areata through a physical exam. They'll ask about your medical history, including when you started noticing hair loss and whether you have a family history of alopecia areata or autoimmune disorders. They may also examine your nails.
Scalp massages with essential oils, application of onion or garlic juice, and the use of aloe vera gel are among the home remedies that individuals have explored. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet contributes to overall health, which can positively impact hair growth.
Pull Test and Tug Test
During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.
NAAF is providing contact information for board-certified dermatologists, as well as dermatology nurse practitioners and physician assistants with experience in diagnosing and treating alopecia areata.
The most common diseases related to alopecia areata include autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes, and atopic conditions (related to allergies), such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), atopic dermatitis, and other forms of eczema.
A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.
In Hashimoto's disease this hair loss most commonly presents in the form of diffuse hair loss across the scalp and eyebrows. Additionally, the reduced functionality of the T3 and T4 hormone reduces overall sebum production, which can give a thin, brittle appearance to your hair.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
A small section of skin from your scalp skin is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing. Trichoscopy: Your doctor might use a tool called a dermatoscope, which is used to view the scalp and hair at a high magnification level. This lets your doctor look for certain signs that appear with alopecia areata.
Unfortunately, in most cases hair loss treatments are not covered by insurance. Since hair loss doesn't affect your daily activity like a medical injury or illness would, it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered.
The evaluation and medical treatment of alopecia areata is covered. The most common treatment for mild cases of alopecia areata (involving less than 50 % loss of scalp hair) is direct intradermal injection of corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone or triamcinolone acetonide) into patches of hair loss.
Topical therapy: Your dermatologist may prescribe an over-the-counter topical solution, such as Rogaine, to stimulate hair growth. Your dermatologist can also prescribe prescription-strength topical treatments such as minoxidil if needed.
Generally speaking, this means you can visit the dermatologist anytime. However, you may need a referral to have your insurance company cover your dermatological care costs. Additionally, some dermatologists may also prioritize scheduling appointments more quickly for patients with referrals.