Hair loss & alopecia

When to seek an assessment

A visit is useful when shedding is persistent, a parting is widening, the hairline changes, patches appear or there is itching, scaling or discomfort on the scalp.

Medical history, recent illness, medicines, hair practices and family patterns may help explain what is happening.

How we approach the consultation

The consultation examines the scalp and distribution of loss. The doctor may consider whether this is patterned hair loss, temporary shedding, alopecia areata, a scalp condition or another cause. Tests are suggested only if the findings make them relevant.

Some forms can involve inflammation or scarring of the scalp, so early assessment matters if there is pain, redness or a rapidly changing patch.

Care options to discuss

Recommendations depend on the diagnosis, medical history and suitability. Depending on the findings, the discussion may include:

• Cause-specific scalp care and medical treatment may be discussed after diagnosis.
• For patterned hair loss, suitable longer-term treatments and their maintenance requirements can be reviewed.
• Patchy or inflammatory loss may need a different plan or further investigation; a procedure is not assumed to be the answer.

Expectations and follow-up

Hair growth cycles are slow, so progress is assessed over months rather than days. Follow-up helps evaluate shedding, photographs or examination findings, treatment tolerance and whether the diagnosis needs reconsideration.