A Guide to Hair Loss Treatment
Here at The Sussex Trichology Clinic, we understand that hair loss and scalp problems can be distressing, embarrassing and upsetting. While male hair loss is a natural part of the ageing process, in extreme cases some men will show signs of losing their hair as young as sixteen and can be completely bald by their early twenties.
Hair loss in women is less common, but much more traumatic as hair plays a large part in a women’s identity and is commonly associated with beauty and femininity.
We offer a range of hair loss treatments, including the application of creams, steamer, scalp and neck massage, and therapy lamps. We use a non-steroidal approach, using products and medications from Philip Kingsley.
A list of commonly found hair loss conditions:
- Androgen-Dependent Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Trichotillomania
- Traction Hair Loss
- Male Pattern Hair Loss
- Female Pattern Hair Loss / Hair Thinning
- Teenage Hair Loss
Go to our Knowledge Base section for more hair loss and scalp conditions.
Here’s a quick rundown of the different hair loss treatments used for the most common conditions seen at our clinic:
Androgen-Dependent Alopecia
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss we see, affecting both men and women. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, although we can slow the process down through a variety of treatments designed to control the effect of androgens on hair follicles. Internally, drugs such as Propecia can slow hair loss and encourage growth in areas where hair is still present. External treatments such as Minoxidil and anti-androgens can slow loss down and sometimes improve the thickness of your hair.
Alopecia Areata
Often triggered by stress, this condition causes bald patches, typically the size of a large coin. While the patches are reversible and tend to grow back on their own eventually, we provide a range of treatments to help speed the process up. We use a range of topical stimulation medications, including Minoxidil, and ultraviolet and infra-red rays, which repair the damaged skin and ‘trick’ hair into regrowth.
Scarring Alopecia
This condition can be difficult to diagnose as initial symptoms can be similar to Alopecia Areata, but Scarring Alopecia causes inflammation under the skin, which destroys the hair follicle and can cause permanent hair loss. Aggressive treatment is required before hair loss becomes permanent, which varies depending on the reason for the condition. Although hair cannot grow once the follicle has been destroyed, it may be possible to stimulate regrowth in the affected area.
Eczema
A common scalp problem, eczema is an advancement of dandruff, causing inflammation of the scalp and waxy yellow scales. It requires professional scalp treatment, including topical creams containing sulphur or salicylic acid. Where excessive scales are present, creams are gently massaged into the scalp, and a steamer is then used to soften the scales before they can be gently lifted off. Ray therapy is also beneficial.
Psoriasis
Another scalp problem, psoriasis can be identified by very red skin and white scales. It causes the scalp to split and bleed easily and can cause thinning of the hair. While not completely curable, it can be improved. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be treated with prescription creams and specialist shampoos. More severe cases require the gentle removal of scales by massaging creams containing coal tar, sulphur and salicylic acid into the scalp, and using a steamer to soften them. Infrared and ultraviolet light can encourage the condition to improve.
