When to See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss: Early Signs and Red Flags

Concerned about hair loss? Our team at Dermatology Associates Skin and Cancer Center in Panama City, FL, can help diagnose the issue and provide personalized treatment. 

Hair Loss: What’s Normal and When to See a Dermatologist

You notice a few strands of hair falling out as you wash or brush it. You might think nothing of it at the moment, but after a few days of it occurring, you can’t help but start to wonder if you’re going bald. Losing hair is a normal part of life, but how do you know when hair loss is serious? The team at Dermatology Associates Skin and Cancer Center in Panama City, FL, answers this question and more below.

Understanding Hair Loss

Like skin cells, it’s natural for the human body to shed hair. In fact, some people shed up to 100 hairs per day. However, there are times when you begin to lose more hair than normal, which can indicate that something is going wrong.

Hair loss – otherwise known as alopecia – can be bothersome for most people. And it doesn’t just impact the hair on your head. It can also impact your eyebrows, beard, eyelashes, and the rest of your body. 

The question most people want an answer to is why they are losing hair, but the answer can vary. In some cases, it’s simply that you are getting older. In other cases, hormonal changes, certain medications, and even stress can lead to alopecia. 

And then there are times when how you care for or style your hair can be to blame. Other potential factors include genetics, childbirth, illnesses, and even infections. 

Should I See a Dermatologist? 

 Some of the top signs that you should seek care for alopecia include the following. 

• You notice a receding hairline or a widening part. 
• You are shedding more hair than usual.
• Your hair is coming out in chunks. 
• There are patches of baldness, typically in a circular pattern.
• There are blisters, bumps, flakes, or itchiness in the thinning area. 

It’s never a bad time to see a dermatologist. If losing hair is worrying you or causing you to feel less confident, a dermatology visit is warranted. Even if what you are experiencing is mild and natural, the dermatologist can confirm that you have nothing to worry about. If there is an issue, they can determine what’s causing it and recommend an appropriate course of action before it progresses further.