Trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the human hair and scalp. Conditions treated by Trichologists include:
Hair Conditions
Alopecia
There are many types and causes of hair loss (alopecia), that can be effectively treated.
Hair loss may be genetically derived, or it may be caused by a number of factors including dietary deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and stress. Hair loss can also be the first sign of an undetected underlying illness.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Also known as Male Pattern Baldness, Androgentic Alopecia is one of the most common type of hair loss. Male pattern baldness is characterised by the fact that it occurs in stages. However, there is no definite timeline for how this type of baldness progresses. You may notice that your hair has begun to thin quite noticeably in a short space of time, and then you might stay at that level of baldness for a long time before the next stage becomes obvious.
It is important to note, however, that this condition can and does affect females too as it is gene-linked, not sex-linked. In women, it is likely to lead to diffuse hair loss, (a general thinning of the hair density) rather than to obvious bald patches.
Although there is no cure for this condition, with medications hair loss can be limited and slowed down in some cases.
For some patients a Hair Transplant Procedure is the best solution to restore lost hair.
Scarring Alopecia
Can occur after infectious scalp disorders or, more rarely, they an auto-immune condition, which occurs when the body attacks the hair follicle as it would invading bacteria.
Other Types of Alopecia
Other types of alopecia that you may have heard of include Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Universalis and Traction Alopecia but there are more. Alopecia Areata will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. If the hair loss progresses until all the scalp hair is lost this is called Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis when all the body hair is lost as well.
Thyroid Disorder
Hair problems may rarely be one of the first signs of thyroid undersecretion. Providing early treatment is initiated, full recovery of the hair should occur. Correct diagnosis will require blood tests.
Iron Deficiency
More and more cases of diffuse hair loss in women are attributable to iron deficiency. This is more probably common amongst (but not limited to) vegetarians and those with eating disorders. A blood test is essential to correct diagnosis.
Traumatic Hair Loss or Breakage
This type of hair loss is caused by hairdressing damage and other traumas involving chemicals, heat or physical trauma. If treated before the scalp is damaged, hair will regrow. Black Afro Caribbean Hair is more prone to hair damage. Click here for more information.
Scalp Conditions
Scalp problems can be symptomatic of some other metabolic variation.
Stress, poor diet, or even some allergies to certain foods, can be responsible for the build up and shedding of dead skin cells.
The management of hair and scalp that are excessively greasy is another area in which the advice of a qualified trichologist is often sought. In case of scalp disorders, your trichologist may prescribe treatment creams and shampoos for use at home.
Advice and support can also be given if you have lost hair through chemotherapy treatment.
How do you become a Trichologist
Trichologists are not medically qualified but they are highly trained and specialised in hair loss and scalp disorders.
The Institute of Trichologists is the foremost professional association for trichologists in the world, the largest provider of trichology training in Europe, and the longest established body of its type (it was founded in 1902).
For the protection of patients, The Institute of Trichologists publishes a Code of Professional Practice and Ethics, by which all practising trichologists who are registered members of the Institute are expected to abide.
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