Hair Loss
When To Call a Doctor
Call your health professional if:
- Your hair loss is sudden, rather than gradual.
- You notice hair shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, or if your hair becomes thinner or falls out.
- You are concerned that a medication may be causing your hair loss.
- You have a rash, scaliness, or any change in the skin on your scalp with hair loss.
- You see signs of bacterial infection on your scalp, such as:
- Increased pain.
- Swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the area.
- Discharge of pus.
- Fever of 38°C (100°F) or higher with no other cause.
- Your hair is gradually thinning and balding, and you want to discuss treatment options with your health professional.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting may be appropriate if your hair loss is gradual and like the pattern of hair loss seen in your parents or brothers or sisters. However, if your gradual hair loss bothers you, your health professional may be able to slow or reverse it. If clumps of hair fall out, your hair loss may be caused by a disease, and it is important to contact your health professional.
Hair loss caused by alopecia areata often reverses on its own. Watchful waiting is an option after you have been diagnosed with this condition.
Who To See
Your family doctor or general practitioner can give you advice and treatment on hair loss. You may be referred to a specialist, such as:
Hair transplant surgery is usually done by:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Carrie Henley Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 22, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
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