There are multiple causes of hair loss; the most common that will affect almost all people who age is androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. Some diseases that can cause hair loss include trichotillomania, alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus, traction alopecia, ringworm, thyroid disease, anorexia or follicular degeneration syndrome. Many medicines can cause hair loss, most commonly the drugs used to kill cancers. Hair loss, called telogen effluvium, is common after recovering from a severe illness or having a baby.

• Minoxidil
• Finasteride
• Gentle hair care
• Oral or intralesional steroids
• Hair transplants

Treatment needs to be directed at the cause of the hair loss. The correct diagnosis may require biopsy or cultures. Unfortunately, our ability to diagnose the causes of hair loss often exceeds our ability to regrow hair or prevent further loss. This had resulted in many unregulated products that make false claims about hair regrowth.

At Piedmont Dermatology Center, Dr Ned Gross will do his best to give you a correct diagnosis and the best chance to preserve or improve the appearance of your hair.

This information does not replace the advice of a physician nor does it imply a physican – patient relationship between the reader and Dr. Gross.