Dermatology

Hair outpatient clinic – specialist help with hair loss

In the hair outpatient clinic at the ETHIANUM Clinic, dermatology specialists devote themselves entirely to the phenomenon of hair loss. Our heads are governed by a biorhythm that we hardly notice. Only when more than 100 hairs fall out per day do doctors speak of pathological hair loss, also known medically as alopecia. The fact is that the main human hair grows, rests and eventually falls out. Human hair is approx. 0.12 mm thick and can withstand up to two Newtons of tension.

There are many different causes of hair loss. The simplest cause is damage to the hair structure, which can occur as a result of constant mechanical stress. This is mainly caused by tightly tied plaits, intensive combing, brushing, tousling, blow-drying or coloring and bleaching. Although the hair roots usually remain undamaged, the hair breaks off above the scalp if excessive stress is applied. If this is the cause of hair loss, an improvement can be achieved quickly if the cause is eliminated.

There are also rarer, congenital causes of hair loss. These include atrichia, congenital hair loss. This is usually diagnosed in infancy. In atrichia, no hair is actually genetically present or the hair remains in the downy hair stage. Loose anagen hair is also a genetic defect. The hair is fine, brittle and loose. The hair also falls out easily when combed.

We have put together a compact list of the causes and treatment options for the three most common types of hair loss.

Hormonal-hereditary hair loss – Alopecia androgenetica

Men are more frequently affected by hormonal-hereditary hair loss than women. This hair loss often manifests itself through the development of receding hairlines or thinning at the back of the head. In the case of hormonal-hereditary hair loss, the hair root is particularly sensitive to the hormone testosterone. However, excessive hormone production is not the cause of hair loss.

In the case of hormonal-hereditary alopecia, treatment begins with hair tinctures that place little strain on the body. These tinctures are applied to the scalp. The first results should be seen after three to six months.

If the hair tinctures do not work, tablets are used to combat hair loss. Prescription hormone preparations can maintain the current condition of the hair. Thinner hair can even become stronger in individual cases. It is advisable to start treatment as early as possible. In addition, if the hormone preparations are discontinued, the hair loss will continue.

Circular hair loss – alopecia areata

Circular hair loss, medically known as alopecia areata, is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This leads to hair loss, which can occur in various forms. For example, circular hair loss can manifest itself as small round patches. However, it can also affect larger areas of the main hair, face and body.

The exact cause of circular hair loss has not been fully researched. However, scientists assume that both genetic and immunological factors as well as environmental factors play a role. Stress or trauma can also trigger alopecia areata.
Circular hair loss can be physically and emotionally stressful. Self-help groups, online support and professional counseling offer numerous support options. At the ETHIANUM, we offer you the support and treatment you need to live a fulfilling life with the condition.

Symptoms and treatment options for circular hair loss
The main symptoms of circular hair loss are irregular, circular or oval patches of baldness on the scalp. Other parts of the body such as eyebrows, eyelashes or facial hair such as the beard area can also be affected. Hair loss can progress at different rates. In some cases, the disease leads to complete hair loss (alopecia totalis) on the scalp or even the entire body (alopecia universalis)

Unfortunately, there is no cure for alopecia areata. However, there are various treatment options to promote hair growth and slow down hair loss.

These include:

• Topical steroids
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Topical minoxidil
• rich plasma injections
• Cortisone treatments directly into the affected areas
• Irritant therapies with dithranol
• Medication with the active ingredient baricitinib (for moderate to severe cases)

Our specialist will discuss with you individually which treatment options are best for you. If necessary, we will support you with an application to the health insurance company to have the costs covered. We will also be happy to issue you with a prescription for a wig so that you can get through your everyday life better and with less discomfort. Please note that a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques can also be helpf

Diffuse hair loss – Alopecia diffusa

In diffuse hair loss, the hair thins out overall. Hair loss is not limited to specific areas. There are various causes of diffuse hair loss, each of which has its own approach to treatment. In addition to all the causes, diffuse hair loss can also be a natural sign of ageing.

Possible causes and therapeutic approaches are

• Stress: Rest and relaxation are the best therapy here
• Deficiency symptoms due to poor diet or fasting cures: A blood analysis shows whether there is a vitamin or iron deficiency. Adapted preparations can improve the deficiency symptoms
• Hormonal changes after giving birth, after stopping the pill or during the menopause: Hormonal fluctuations take time and patience to balance out. If diffuse hair loss occurs during the menopause, hair tinctures can compensate for the drop in oestrogen.
• Infections: Flu, scarlet fever, shingles, impetigo contagiosa, erysipelas and syphilis are illnesses that can temporarily trigger diffuse hair loss.
• Thyroid dysfunction: The underlying disease must be treated internally. Side effects of medication: Discontinue the medication if possible
• Disease of the scalp: Fungus, psoriasis, scleroderma and lupus erythematosus can cause hair loss if they spread to the scalp.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Neurotic pulling, chewing or cutting of the hair can cause diffuse hair loss. Psychotherapy can help here.