Hair Loss | Omaha, Elkhorn | Elkhorn Dermatology

Treat Hair Shedding, Thinning, and Balding at Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology

Hair loss is natural, as every person loses hair each day. Excessive hair loss, however, can signal an underlying issue—ranging from a genetic predisposition to chronic illness or reactions to certain medications or supplements or medications. When it comes to hair loss, Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology emphasizes that identifying the cause is a critical part of developing an effective treatment plan.

Since losing hair can be tied to so many other factors in the body, a complete medical history and testing are necessary elements. Whether the cause is stress, thyroid dysfunction, a gut microbiome imbalance, or something else, Elkhorn Dermatology’s goal is to discover the problem so you can make a decision on how to move forward, equipped with the vital information you need.

Schedule your consultation today! Let us help you take control of your hair loss journey. Arrange a consultation to get started with personalized solutions at Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology. Call 531-777-2752 or send a message online.

Understanding Hair Loss: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions

The Elkhorn Dermatology team wants you to have the information you need to take charge of your hair. Although many people look at losing hair as a cosmetic concern, the problem frequently has medical roots.

Hair Loss Signs: What to Watch For

1. Pattern Hair Loss

Losing hair in a predictable pattern is known as androgenetic alopecia, which is a genetic condition that can impact both men and women. Fluctuating dihydrotestosterone levels damage healthy hair follicles, causing them to produce thinner hairs until they cease production entirely. In men, this condition typically results in a receding hairline and growing bald patch at the crown. Women often find that their hair thins more generally, eventually causing a noticeably wide part.

2. Medical Causes

Various diseases and conditions can prompt hair to fall out. Possible culprits include diabetes, thyroid issues, or lupus. Fungal infections may also be the root cause of hair unexpectedly falling out.

3. Medications and Supplements

A Hidden Cause of Hair Loss: While most people are aware that chemotherapy for cancer treatment often leads to hair loss, it’s less commonly known that other medications and supplements can negatively affect hair follicles as well. Certain drugs, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and retinoids, may disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning or shedding over time. Similarly, excessive intake of certain supplements, like vitamin A, can have a harmful impact on follicle health.

4. Lifestyle

Everything from diet to stress can affect the scalp, potentially contributing to hair loss.

5. Hairstyles

Tight braids and other high-tension hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia.

6. Hormone Fluctuations

Pregnancy causes rapid hormonal changes that can contribute to temporary hair loss. Menopause is another time when losing hair is common.

Comprehensive Testing to Identify Hair Loss Causes

Before identifying the cause of your hair loss, your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your lifestyle, diet, hair care routine, and medical and family history. Your evaluation may also include specialized tests, such as:

Hair Dermoscopic Exam: Using a dermatoscope, your provider will closely examine your scalp and hair follicles. This non-invasive tool provides magnified images to help identify patterns of hair loss, signs of inflammation, or other scalp conditions.
Blood Test: A blood test can help identify underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances, that may contribute to hair loss.
Pull Test: In this test, your provider gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come loose. This helps assess the stage and severity of shedding.
Scalp Biopsy: The provider takes a small sample of skin or hair from the affected area. These samples are analyzed under a microscope to determine if an infection or skin condition is causing hair loss.

By combining these diagnostic tools, your doctor can accurately identify the underlying cause of the hair loss and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Hair Loss Treatments Offered by Elkhorn Dermatology

At Elkhorn Dermatology, we offer advanced solutions tailored to address hair loss effectively for both men and women. Here’s an overview of treatments provided by our clinic:

Nonscarring Hair Loss Treatments

FDA-approved for men and women, available as a topical solution or in pill form to boost scalp blood flow and stimulate hair growth.
Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription oral medication proven to reverse hair thinning in men and sometimes used off-label for women.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A cutting-edge treatment utilizing growth factor-rich plasma from your own blood to stimulate hair regrowth. Monthly treatments for three months often yield noticeable results.
Microneedling: This treatment uses tiny needles to activate stem cells in hair follicles and encourage growth. Results are further improved when combined with PRP, minoxidil, or specialized growth factor serums.

Scarring Hair Loss Treatments

Corticosteroid Injections (Triamcinolone): Administered directly into the scalp to promote regrowth in cases of scarring alopecia or conditions like alopecia areata.
Prescription Medications: Includes options like hydroxychloroquine and doxycycline to manage inflammation and prevent further hair follicle damage.

Ready to Take Control of Your Hair Loss?

Our team is committed to creating personalized treatment plans to help you achieve healthy, natural-looking hair regrowth. Contact us today for a consultation!

Schedule a consultation today and let us help you achieve the healthy head of hair you deserve. Arrange a consultation to get started with personalized hair loss solutions at Elkhorn, Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology. Call 531-777-2752 or send a message online.

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