Is hair loss a problem for you too? (Hair Loss Treatment) Let's find out exactly what this is!

Do you feel a little scared and sad when you wake up in the morning and see hair all over your pillow, or when you comb your hair after taking a shower, you see a bunch of hair stuck in your comb? This is actually a problem that many people have. Although it is normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day, if you feel that you are losing more hair than that, it is very important to look into it. So today, let's talk about this hair loss , that is, what treatments can be done for hair loss.

Why is losing this hair so painful?

Simply put, our hair is a big part of our appearance, our identity. We cut, color, and style our hair in different ways. It makes a small statement about who we are. So when we suddenly start losing a lot of hair, it can take a huge toll on our self-confidence because it affects our appearance. Some people even avoid facing society for this reason. Therefore, treating hair loss is like a way to rebuild their mental health for some. For others, it is an opportunity to find out about the underlying condition that is causing the hair loss, treat it, and improve their overall health.

What does the doctor look for before starting treatment?

When you go to a doctor for your hair loss, he won't just prescribe a prescription. The first thing he'll do is find out what the real cause is. Here's what he'll do:

• Physical examination: Your scalp and hair follicles will be carefully examined.
• Asking about your medical history : They will ask about other illnesses you have, the medications you take, and your lifestyle (what you eat, what you drink, and stress levels).
• Family history : Ask if anyone in your family (mother, father, siblings) has had a hair problem or baldness. Sometimes this can be genetic .
• If necessary, tests may be ordered to check blood vitamin and hormone levels.

Only after all of this does the doctor decide what treatment plan is best for you.

What are the main treatments for hair loss?

Treatment for hair loss can be divided into three main categories.

1. Treat the underlying cause.

2. Use of medications that stimulate hair growth.

3. Specialized medical procedures and surgeries.

Let's look at each of these separately.

1. Treating the underlying cause

Often, hair loss is a symptom of another disease. Think about it this way.

• If you have a thyroid problem.
• If your body is deficient in nutrients like iron and zinc .
• If you are suffering from severe stress.
• If there is a hormonal imbalance.

In cases like this, the doctor doesn't just prescribe medication for the hair. He treats the underlying cause. For example, iron tablets are given for iron deficiency. Medication is started for thyroid problems. Surprisingly, most of the time, when the underlying disease is cured, the hair loss stops on its own and new hair starts growing again.

2. Medications

While treating the underlying cause, or for a condition like hereditary baldness, your doctor may prescribe a variety of medications. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) at a pharmacy. Others require a prescription.

3. Specialized medical procedures and surgeries

Sometimes it can be difficult to get good results with medication alone. In such cases, the doctor may refer you to more advanced treatment methods.

• Hair Grafting/Hair Transplant: This is like planting a tree. Small pieces of hairy skin are taken from a well-developed area of ​​your own body, usually the back of your head, and transplanted to the bald area. This is done by a dermatologist. The procedure is done under anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain.
• Scalp Reduction: This involves surgically removing a portion of the scalp that is bald and then pulling the remaining hair-bearing skin to close the gap. This is best suited for bald areas on the top and back of the head.
• Light Therapy / Laser Therapy: A special medical device uses low-level light (laser) to target the scalp. This light is believed to stimulate the hair follicles in the scalp, accelerating hair growth. It may take several sessions to see results.
• PRP treatment (Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy): This is now very popular in Sri Lanka. This is what happens. A little blood is taken from your own arm, put in a special machine (Centrifuge machine) and spun very quickly. Then the platelets in the blood can be separated into cell parts called platelets. These platelets are a part full of healing properties. That part is then injected back into the areas of your scalp where you have low hair. This stimulates hair growth.
• Scalp Micropigmentation: Simply put, this is a 'hair tattoo'. Without surgery, very fine dots are tattooed on the scalp where there is little hair, to make it look like there are hair follicles. This can reduce the appearance of baldness or thinning hair.

Doesn't hair grow naturally, without treatment?

Yes, sometimes it can. Not all hair loss requires treatment. Some cases are temporary. The hair loss is caused by some other change in the body, and once the body adjusts to that change, the hair starts to grow back.

Some examples:

• After having a baby: During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause hair loss to decrease, but after having a baby, when those hormones return to normal, you may suddenly lose a lot of hair. This will go away on its own within a few months.
• When there is severe stress: When the stress caused by something like an exam or a problem at work subsides, hair loss decreases.
• After major surgery or while recovering from an illness.
• When you lose weight.
• After something like cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

Even in situations like this, it is important to talk to a doctor to confirm the cause.

What are the benefits and risks of these treatments?

The main benefit of treatment is that your self-confidence and appearance will improve. Additionally, your overall health will improve as the underlying condition is treated.

But like all medical treatments, there are some possible side effects or risks . However, these are usually uncommon.

• Swelling and bruising at the surgical site.
• Dry, itchy scalp.
• Infection.
• Headache.
• Scarring.

Before starting any treatment, talk openly with your doctor about the possible side effects.

How long does it take to see results? When should I see a doctor?

This is the problem that many people have. Treating hair loss is something that requires patience. You can't expect results overnight. Usually, it takes 3 to 6 months to see any difference. So, don't stop the treatment halfway.

Also, the less you use hair-damaging products (harsh chemicals, dyes, relaxers) during treatment, the better the results.

When you should definitely see a doctor:

• If you start losing hair suddenly and in large quantities .
• If you have had something like a hair transplant, and there is severe pain or swelling in the area.
• If no change is seen even after months of treatment.