Precise evaluation of hair loss and baldness
A big number of patients, who look for the dermatologist, complain about hair loss and baldness. Hair problems depress the patients both psychologically and cosmetically, therefore they look for professional advice, examination and effective treatment.
How do the hair grow?
The hair grow cyclically. Three hair growth phases have been established, i.e.:
- the growth phase (anagen) lasts from 2 to 6 years;
- the transit phase (catagen) lasts approximately 2 weeks;
- the resting phase (telogen) lasts from 10 to 12 weeks.
There are 90000 to 150000 hairs in the scalp. In the anagen phase the hair grow and appear on the skin surface; approx. 80-90 per cent of all hair are in this phase. In the catagene phase are 1-3 per cent, and in the telogene phase – 10-16 per cents of all hair follicles. In the telogen phase the hair falls out and instead this hair, from the same follicle a new hair begins to regrow .
In case of hair damage, they may earlier proceed to the telogen phase or fall out in the anagen phase. Hair growth phases may be examined by microscope (trichogram test) or using new generation, i.e. computerised method. Having defined hair growth ratio, it is possible to make a correct diagnosis, to evaluate the prognosis of the disease and prescribe the most effective treatment.
What are the causes of hair loss and baldness?
The most common hair loss and baldness causes are:
- androgenic baldness (develops due to genetic and hormonal factors, and usually are the main cause of baldness);
- diffuse hair loss or baldness (can develop due to hormone disbalance , stress, after giving birth, in case of microelement or iron lack, suffering from various chronic, etc. diseases;
- localised baldness (alopetia aerata) (the causes of this disease have been not fully researched yet, but it is believed that this baldness form develops due to autoimmune damage of hair follicle);
- baldness caused by inflammatory skull skin diseases (e.g. different skin diseases, that occur in hairy part of scull, may cause diffuse or patchy type baldness, therefore it is very much important to define and treat the current skin disease);
- baldness caused by chemotherapy or medications : a number of medications may cause hair shedding and baldness (e.g. anticoagulants, retinoid, psychotropic medications, ALF inhibitors, etc.).
What tests may be performed in GK Clinic?
Since hair loss and baldness are caused by many different factors, careful individual patient examination is necessary. The following diagnostic tests are performed in GK Clinic:
- careful history of the disease;
- familial and medication history;
- clinical examination of the patient;
- examination of hair shaft using dermatoscope and microscope;
- examination of hair bulb (traditional trichogram test );
- examination of hair number, volume and hair-bulb using computerised method;
- blood tests;
- biopsy of scalp skin (if required);
- skin test to establish scalp contact dermatitis.
What is trichogram test?
This is a microscopic test of hair follicles. Doctor using special instrument pulls out approx. 50-100 hairs from the damaged scalp area. He same amount of hairs is pulled out from undamaged area of scalp. Hair follicles are analysed using microscope and the results of both types of hair (i.e. from damaged and undamaged areas) are compared.
How is trichogram assessed?
With the help of microscope doctor evaluates the damage of the hair shaft. Growth cycle of the hair is estimated according to the shape of hair follicle. This test must be performed only by a very well experienced doctor. The more precise method is a computerised examination of hair follicles.
Is trichogram a painful test and how should I prepare for that test?
This method is quite painful, because approx. 50 to 100 hairs are pulled out from two scalp areas. Before carrying out this test, it is very important not wash head hair for 5 days and for 2 months prior to the test not colour and not chemically trim your hair (in order not to affect test results).
What is a computerised hair follicle examination, performed in GK Clinic?
This is an modern computerised digital hair follicle examination, so called modified trichogram test, which helps to define not only the hair growth cycle: i.e. growth phase (anagen) or resting phase (telogen), but also hair number and density.
How is the computerised hair follicle examination performed?
During the firs visit, a doctor collects detailed history of the disease, family and medications, examines the patient, evaluates with dermascope the head skin and hair shaft, prescribes necessary blood tests. Finally a patient is prepared for a test i.e. In a small (1 cm) skin area the hairs are cut (pulling out of hears is not necessary!) The doctor selects the area so that it is fully covered with hair and is not noticeable for others.
After 2-3 days the test is performed, i.e. Special programme installed in a computer, automatically defines number and density of hairs and assesses hair growth phases pro ratio. Test results immediately are displayed in computer screen and submitted to the patient. After the test, the data is saved in computer, therefore having repeated this test after 4-6 months, it is possible to assess progress of the disease and efficiency of the prescribed treatment.
Is this computerised hair follicle test painful and is it necessary to get prepared for this test?
The test is completely painless, because it is not necessary to pull out the hairs. Besides, it is allowed to wash, colour or chemically trim the hair. No special preparation is necessary.
What are the advantages of this modern test (if compared with classical trichogram)?
Computerised hair follicle examination has a number of advantages:
- not painful, because there is no need of pulling the hairs;
- it is allowed to wash, colour and chemically trim the hair;
- very precise and fast method of hair number, density and follicle examination;
- test methods are archived in a computer;
- it is possible to evaluate treatment efficiency.
If you have any questions, please contact our GK Clinic by phone at (+370) 5 255 33 53 and arrange a private consultation.
Sign up for a consultation.Please fill out the form.
Please fill out the registration form and we will contact you within 24 hours and arrange a convenient visit time for you.