Hair Loss
This visit asks when shedding started, the pattern, recent illness, hair care, and medicines, then looks at the scalp. It is an assessment in the skin program from age 12. Younger children are seen in the kids program. Transplants, scalp injections, and regrowth devices are not offered. Any blood test is focused and sent outside. No named provider has signed this draft.
Symptoms and questions to discuss
- More hair on the pillow, comb, or shower drain
- A widening part or thinning at the temples or crown
- Smooth round patches, or short broken hairs
- Itch, scale, pain, pustules, or scars on the scalp
- Shedding after a major illness, surgery, or a large weight change
What we check
- When loss started and whether it came on quickly
- Pattern: diffuse shed, temples and crown, or round patches
- Scalp scale, pustules, scarring, and a gentle hair pull
- Recent illness, surgery, weight change, and medicines
- Nails when patches are present
Treatment options by class
Your provider reviews appropriate options and follow-up based on your assessment.
- Gentler styling that avoids tight pulling, harsh heat, and harsh chemicals
- Care of scalp scale or irritation before any cosmetic cover
- Targeted outside blood tests only when history or examination indicates a possible deficiency, thyroid concern or other cause
- Dermatology handoff for scarring, spreading patches, or an unclear cause
When we refer
This is a primary-care hair assessment in the skin program, not a restoration practice or a dermatology department. Scarring, spreading patches, and an unclear cause are referred out. Biopsy stays outside. That handoff is not an accepted visit. Scalp pus with fever should not wait on a routine list. No named provider has signed this draft.
A focused look, not a test panel
The provider asks how fast the loss began, then looks at the scalp, hair, and nails and may use a gentle pull. Round smooth patches can be an immune attack on follicles. Thinning at the temples or crown is a different pattern. Outside blood tests, such as iron or thyroid studies, are selected only when history or examination indicates a possible cause. There is no fixed one-test limit or routine hormone, vitamin or autoimmune bundle. A1C, cholesterol and a metabolic panel are not routine tests for isolated hair loss; other health concerns may justify their own assessment.
First steps, and what is not offered
Stop styles that break or pull hair. Some shedding after a major illness, surgery, or a large weight change slows without a procedure. That is not a promise that hair will return. Patchy loss sometimes returns without treatment, and sometimes it does not. Medicine classes for hereditary thinning, and injections for patches, are not given here. This page names no product and does not offer transplants, platelet procedures, or laser devices.
Who reviews an outside result
If an iron test, a thyroid test, or a scalp biopsy is coordinated, the ordering provider reviews the report and says if the plan changes. An outside laboratory does the test. This clinic does not read scalp tissue. A dermatology handoff is not an accepted visit, and no turnaround is stated. Return if patches spread or the scalp becomes painful.
When hair loss should not wait
Most shedding is not an emergency. Scalp pustules with fever need prompt care, not a cosmetic booking. Scarring or smooth patches that are spreading should be seen soon and handed to dermatology, not watched for months. Trouble breathing, or a widespread blistering rash, is an emergency and is not a hair visit.
Frequently asked questions
Will you order a full hormone panel?
No routine hormone, vitamin or autoimmune bundle is ordered for every person. The responsible provider selects targeted outside tests when history or examination indicates a possible cause, such as a deficiency or thyroid disease. More than one test may be appropriate; there is no fixed one-test rule.
Do you transplant hair or inject the scalp?
No. Transplants, scalp injections, platelet procedures, and regrowth devices are not offered. Patterned thinning and patchy loss are assessed, then handed on when those treatments are the next step.
Can hair return after an illness?
Sometimes shedding after a major illness, surgery, or a large weight change slows on its own. Sometimes it does not. The exam separates those stories. This page does not promise regrowth.
Is a scalp biopsy done here?
No. When scarring or an unclear pattern needs tissue, the biopsy is coordinated outside and read outside. The ordering provider reviews the report.
What if bald patches are spreading?
Book soon. Spreading smooth patches and any scar should not wait months. Dermatology does the next steps this clinic does not offer. A named referral is not an accepted appointment.
Sources
- Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment — American Academy of Dermatology
- Alopecia Areata — National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Alopecia Areata: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take — National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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