Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women in Singapore, with many noticing thinning hair, receding hairlines, or patchy bald spots over time. Beyond the physical changes, hair loss can take a significant emotional and psychological toll, leading to reduced confidence, stress, and social anxiety.
Consulting a skin specialist Singapore can help identify the underlying causes and provide effective treatment options, from medical therapies to advanced procedures, tailored to each individual’s needs. To learn more about how a skin specialist can help, explore here https://thedermclinic.com.sg/hair-loss/ and discover personalized solutions for hair loss.
Skin-Related Conditions That Can Cause Hair Loss
Hair loss is often linked not only to genetics or hormones but also to underlying skin-related conditions that affect the scalp. One common condition is seborrheic dermatitis, which causes redness, itching, and flaking on the scalp, disrupting hair growth and sometimes leading to temporary hair shedding.
Another is psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in thick, scaly patches on the scalp and can weaken hair follicles over time. Fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, are also a frequent culprit, particularly in younger adults, causing patchy bald spots accompanied by inflammation and discomfort.
Additionally, alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin-related disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden, well-defined patches of hair loss. Chronic scarring conditions, like lichen planopilaris or discoid lupus erythematosus, can permanently damage hair follicles if left untreated.
A skin specialist Singapore can accurately diagnose these conditions through scalp examinations, dermoscopy, and sometimes skin biopsies, allowing for early intervention. Recognizing these skin-related causes is crucial, as treating the underlying scalp condition often helps restore hair growth and prevents further shedding.
How Hair Loss Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing hair loss involves several steps to determine its underlying cause:
- Medical History Review: Assessing lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and family history of hair loss.
- Scalp Examination: Checking the pattern, extent, and type of hair loss to identify possible causes.
- Hair Tests: Simple procedures like a hair pull test or dermatoscope inspection (dermoscopy) to detect inflammation, follicle damage, or scalp infections.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to screen for nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune conditions when necessary.
- Scalp Biopsy: In complex or unclear cases, a small sample of scalp tissue may be examined to confirm the diagnosis.
Accurate diagnosis is essential, as it enables a treatment plan tailored specifically to the individual’s condition, improving the chances of restoring hair growth and maintaining overall scalp health.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hair Loss
For many patients, hair loss can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments. Topical solutions, such as minoxidil, help stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth when used consistently. Oral medications may also be prescribed to address hormonal imbalances or reduce hair follicle shrinkage. In cases where inflammation contributes to shedding, anti-inflammatory treatments can help calm the scalp and protect hair follicles.
Some patients benefit from adjunct therapies, including low-level laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, which promote circulation and follicle health. These non-invasive options are often combined for better results, tailored to each individual’s type of hair loss and overall health, offering an effective first step before considering surgical interventions.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
For patients seeking more intensive solutions, skin specialists may recommend advanced treatments that go beyond standard medications:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses the patient’s own platelets to stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth.
- Microneedling: Creates tiny channels in the scalp to enhance absorption of topical treatments and improve follicle health.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Stimulates blood flow and cellular activity in the scalp to strengthen existing hair and encourage new growth.
- Combination Therapy: Often, advanced treatments are used alongside topical or oral medications for optimal results.
These therapies are minimally invasive and tailored to each patient’s type and severity of hair loss, providing effective solutions with minimal downtime.
Surgical Options for Severe Hair Loss
For individuals with significant or permanent hair loss, surgical treatments may be considered:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are harvested from a donor area and transplanted to thinning or bald areas.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): A strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, and hair follicles are carefully dissected and implanted in the affected region.
- Scalp Reduction: In select cases, sections of bald scalp are removed and the hair-bearing areas are stretched to cover the space.
- Combination Approaches: Surgeons may combine several techniques to achieve natural-looking results tailored to the patient’s hair pattern and density.
Surgical procedures are highly effective for restoring hair permanently but require careful planning and a consultation with a qualified specialist to ensure optimal outcomes.
Conclusion
Hair loss can affect anyone, but understanding its causes and exploring the right treatment options can make a significant difference. From non-surgical therapies to advanced procedures and surgical solutions, a personalized approach ensures the best results for restoring hair and maintaining scalp health.
If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, don’t wait, schedule a consultation with a trusted skin specialist in Singapore today. You can visit our skin clinic at:
The Dermatology Clinic – Dr Uma | Skin Allergy | Paediatric Dermatology | Eczema Treatment Singapore
321 Joo Chiat Pl, #05-01A Parkway East Specialist Hospital, Singapore 427990
Phone: +65 6517 9760
290 Orchard Road 09-20/21 Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore 238859
Phone: +65 6320 0310