The Role of Dermatologists in Diagnosing Hair Loss: What To Expect

Hair loss can happen for many reasons. The issue behind your hair loss could be very different from the issues your coworker is experiencing, but regardless, a dermatologist can help. If you need assistance with hair loss in Vienna, VA, the team at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia looks forward to hearing from you. Dr. Linda Nims, Dr. Rebecca Barry, and Dr. Kelley Redbord have helped countless people deal with hair loss and many other challenges.

Why Dermatologists Are Leading Hair Loss Experts

You might think that dermatologists are only skin doctors. However, they are also experts with hair (and nails, for that matter). Hairs are essentially a part of your skin. The follicles that hair grows from are found in the skin, and many skin-related issues, like acne, are often hair-related issues. (Some dermatologists will further develop a specialty called trichology, which focuses more specifically on the scalp.)

Sometimes, hair loss is caused by something outside of the traditional scope of dermatology. For example, if you or a loved one are undergoing lung cancer treatment, this could result in hair falling out. A dermatologist typically won’t treat lung cancer. However, he or she can help patients with hair and skincare while undergoing cancer treatment.

Dr. Nims, Dr. Barry, and Dr. Redbord can provide treatment for hair loss in Vienna, VA. You can work with them by visiting or scheduling an appointment at the Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia.

What To Expect When Working With a Dermatologist

Before beginning treatment, a dermatologist will need to try to pin down what the cause of your hair loss is. Many things can lead to hair loss. Of course, the cause of early male pattern baldness may be very different from the cause of a woman who is suddenly losing her hair.

Your dermatologist will probably start by asking questions, going over any medications you are using, and your dietary habits, and exploring your lifestyle and family history. This may uncover insights that lead to a diagnosis. It’s quite likely that your scalp or other part of your body where hair loss is occurring will be examined closely.

In some cases, the above may be enough to start trying treatments. If the treatments aren’t effective or your dermatologist wants to learn more before prescribing treatment, testing may be ordered. This may involve testing hair strands, but it could also involve blood testing or testing cells from the scalp, among other things.

Need to see a skin doctor in Vienna, VA, who can help with hair loss? You can get in touch with the Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia by giving (703) 938-5700 a ring. Dr. Nims, Dr. Barry, and Dr. Redbord would be glad to work with you.