Three Types of Hair Loss Conditions: How a Hair Loss Clinic in Singapore Can Assist

Hair loss is a common condition that affects both men and women worldwide. Although losing some hair is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, sudden or excessive hair loss can be alarming and may be an indication of an underlying health issue. Certain factors typically contribute to hair loss, such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and other medical conditions.

Consulting a skin and hair dermatologist is the first step in addressing hair loss and regrowth treatment options. In this article, we will explore three common types of hair loss: androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium, along with treatment options available for each.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Patterned Hair Loss)

Commonly referred to as male or female pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. It is primarily caused by genetic predisposition and hormonal changes, in particular the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a derivative of testosterone. This particular condition leads to progressive hair thinning in specific areas such as the crown and hairline in men, and diffused thinning over the scalp in women.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Receding hairline and thinning at the temples (men)
• Widening part and overall hair thinning (women)
• Gradual and progressive hair loss over the years

Treatment Options:

Medication: Prescribed medication can help slow down hair loss and encourage regrowth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This non-invasive treatment stimulates hair follicles and encourages growth.
Hair Transplant Surgery: Follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) can permanently restore lost hair.

It’s recommended to consult a hair loss clinic in Singapore for tailored treatments for androgenetic alopecia based on the severity of hair loss and the patient’s medical history.

Alopecia Areata (Localised Hair Loss)

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden hair loss in small, round patches. It can affect people of all ages, including children, and may progress to more severe forms, such as alopecia totalis (complete scalp hair loss) or alopecia universalis (total body hair loss).

Signs and Symptoms:

• Round or oval bald patches on the scalp or other body areas
• Sudden hair shedding without prior warning
• Nail abnormalities such as ridges or pitting (in some cases)

Treatment Options:

Topical and Oral Corticosteroids: These help suppress the immune response and encourage hair regrowth.
Immunotherapy: Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is a topical treatment that stimulates an immune reaction to distract the body from attacking hair follicles.
Seeking early intervention from a skin and hair dermatologist can significantly enhance the prognosis of alopecia areata.

Telogen Effluvium (Diffuse Hair Loss)

Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition characterised by excessive shedding due to disruptions in the hair growth cycle. It generally occurs after significant physical or emotional stress, such as surgery, pregnancy, severe illness, drastic weight loss, or extreme psychological distress. This condition leads to a higher-than-normal percentage of hair follicles entering the resting (telogen) phase, causing widespread thinning.

Signs and Symptoms:

Increased hair shedding, especially while brushing or washing
Diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than distinct bald patches
Hair loss noticeable after stressful events, typically 2-3 months later

Treatment Options:

Addressing Underlying Causes: Managing stress, improving nutrition, and treating hormonal imbalances can help reverse telogen effluvium.

Nutritional Supplements: Iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D supplements can strengthen hair health.
Scalp Treatments: Some clinics offer scalp rejuvenation therapies to boost follicle activity.

A hair loss clinic in Singapore can conduct thorough evaluations to determine the cause of telogen effluvium and recommend appropriate treatment plans.

Effective Hair Loss Solutions at The Dermatology Practice

Hair loss can significantly affect self-esteem and confidence, but identifying symptoms early on and seeking immediate treatment can manage and perhaps even get rid of the condition. It is essential to understand what type of hair loss you are dealing with, in order to receive the proper treatment.

It is recommended to consult a skin and hair dermatologist, who will help identify what type of hair loss you are experiencing in addition to providing a customised treatment plan that effectively addresses the issue. Encompassing a team of experienced dermatologists, The Dermatology Practice is dedicated to providing patients with a vast range of treatments related to medical and cosmetic dermatology. We prioritise patient comfort and care at our clinics, ensuring that they receive the correct advice and care for their hair loss issues.

Please feel free to get in touch with our team at either of our four clinics, conveniently situated just outside Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD). All our clinics are open from 9am to 5:30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays. You may also fill out the enquiry form here for any information about our products or services.