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Identifying the Cause of Your Hair Loss

Hair loss is very common and should not be a cause for concern, as there are many viable options for renewed hair growth. However, it is important that you try and discover the cause of your hair loss. This can be done through research or talking with your dermatologist. Keep reading to discover potential causes of your hair loss.

Stress

Stress can lead to a number of health issues including thinning of the hair. Don’t let this scare you! The most important thing to do if you are experiencing this, is to take care of yourself. Try taking supplements like biotin to strengthen hair and nails. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and be gentle with your hair.

Age

The truth is, as you age, your hair ages with you. Each day, you naturally lose hair and your body replaces it with new hair growth. However, during the aging process, this new growth occurs less and less. This quite common and depends heavily on your genetic and family history. Women experiencing menopause may also see changes in hair growth, quite severely. Hair thinning or loss normally occurs during these hormonal changes. As these changes start to balance out, your hair may return back to its original state.

Family History

Genetics play an incredibly strong role in determining female and male pattern hair loss. Pattern hair loss usually affects the hairline and top of the scalp in males, and general thinning of hair in females. If you have a family history of hair loss, you are much more prone to experiencing hair loss of a similar type. Prevention for losing hair is possible, so if you believe you are more prone to pattern hair loss, or hair loss of any kind, talk to your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Hairstyle

Do often wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, braids or cornrows? This may be cause for concern, as tight hairstyles like the ones mentioned can cause traction alopecia. This is where the hair becomes loosened and begins to fall out or break due to repeated stress. If you or your child often wears hairstyles that tightly pull at the hair, consider a looser style or even decide on rocking your natural hair!

Medical Condition or Side Effect

  • Medication: Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of medications you have be prescribed. If you are seeing overactive hair loss due to medication, there may be a different medication you can try. If not, speak to your dermatologist about ways to prevent further hair loss.
  • Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is a condition in which the body starts to attack its own hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. There are no cures, but treatment options are available. Your dermatologist may be able to prescribe different options such as topical medications, steroid injections and more.
  • Psoriasis: Psoriasis on the scalp can cause red, scaly patches and the inability to grow hair in affected areas. By treating the psoriasis itself, the skin can heal and begin growing new hair once more. By talking to your dermatologist, they can create a psoriasis treatment plan that may include options like phototherapy, biologics or topical treatments.
  • Chemotherapy: During chemotherapy treatments, which are used to treat diseases like lupus and cancer, your hair follicles are inadvertently targeted. Do not be alarmed by this. It is a completely normal side effect of chemotherapy. Once treatments have finished, your hair should begin to grow back. Again, talk to your doctor or oncologist about these side effects and to learn more about chemotherapy and hair loss.

There are many reasons you may be experiencing a loss of hair or lessened new hair growth. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist and learn about ways that they can help. Always remember, however, hair loss is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the experienced staff can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and help you with treatment. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

The Dandruff Dilemma

The Dandruff Dilemma

If only dealing with dandruff was as simple as brushing off your shoulders. Unfortunately, dandruff flakes show up at the most inopportune times. Your Knoxville Dermatology Group friends have devised a list of the best preventative measures to reduce and prevent flakes.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a sure-fire way to get your whole body into tip-top shape, from hair to toe. Turns out, it also helps keep dandruff at bay. Diets with plenty of zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B and E help prevent the yeasty, fatty substances that dandruff thrives on. Good nutrition also helps by affecting how your body responds to the fungus. You should strive to limit stress, as it can dictate how your body responds and can challenge your body’s defenses.

Another way to prevent dandruff is to limit the amount of product you use. This includes hairspray, mousse and gel. These products may cause excessive drying or allergic reactions. So take a break every now and then and go au naturel. You can add a therapeutic styling gel or a spray with tea tree oil to help combat dandruff. Last but certainly not least, wash your hair regularly. Dandruff flourishes in oily hair, so washing regularly can help keep flakes under control. Lather, rinse and REPEAT, and you’ll be on your way to winning the battle of the flakes.

If you have any questions about dandruff or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Hairy Situations

A lot of “experts” have come out to say this or that about hair care. You’re either shampooing too much or not enough. Or you lather, rinse and repeat all wrong. Let your Knoxville Dermatology team debunk the top shampoo myths for you.

  1. Washing every day is bad for your scalp and hair. This depends on your hair type. If you have oily hair, it’s perfectly safe and healthy to wash your hair daily. Use a gentle formula with moisturizing ingredients if you do. If you have dry or coarse hair, it may be better to play it more conservative and wash every other day. Regardless of your hair type, stay away from harsh formulas that strip your head and hair of its natural oils.
  2. Hair gets used to a shampoo after a while. Hair is dead and can’t get used to anything. There’s no need to switch up shampoos or brands if you love the results.
  3. Applying conditioner is a must. This is completely true. Shampoos can’t clean and moisturize hair adequately. It’s extremely important to moisturize after shampooing, but if you have oily hair, you can just apply from the ears down to the ends.

It’s also very important to take care of your scalp. A healthy scalp paves the way for healthy hair. So when you lather in your shampoo, use your fingertips instead of your nails and massage your entire head. This stimulates blood flow, keeping skin oxygenated and healthy. Your hair care routine may take some time to develop but no matter what, stay away from harsh chemicals and be sure to treat hair with conditioner for luscious locks.

If you have any questions about summer hair/skincare or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.