HAIR LOSS
MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAIR LOSS OVER THE COURSE OF THEIR LIVES. THIS CONDITION CAN BE CAUSED BY A VARIETY OF FACTORS. MANY PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HAIR LOSS FIND IT VERY STRESSFUL.
Photo: © and.one - stock.adobe.com
Every day, a physiological hair loss of between 70 and 150 hairs takes place.
What are the causes of hair loss?
There are many causes of hair loss. Factors such as stress, nutrient deficiency, certain diseases (e.g. metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases) or the use of certain medications often play a role in hair loss. Fortunately, after treatment, or elimination of the cause, the hair usually grows back again.
Increased hair loss due to seasonal factors is also common.
Other possible causes of hair loss include a genetic predisposition (especially in men) and hormonal changes (e.g. in women after pregnancy, during menopause or when changing hormonal contraceptives).
What types of hair loss are there?
There are different types of hair loss. A distinction is made between round patches of hair loss (alopecia areata), and diffuse hair loss (alopecia diffusa), that affects the whole scalp.
With hair loss in patches (alopecia areata), there is often a connection with an underlying disease, such as thyroid disorders.
Hair loss where scarring develops (scarring alopecia) is less commonly caused by a scalp disease. In this case, a fungal infection or an autoimmune reaction can be the cause. It is important to start the relevant diagnistic and promptly initiate treatment - after scarring, hair can no longer grow in the affected areas.
What diagnostics are available?
In order to be able to initiate the appropriate treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is required (detailed medical history, assessment of the scalp, blood tests, etc.). In some cases, a scalp biopsy is necessary to rule out scalp disease.
What are the specific features of diagnostics at 'Medizin am Hauptbahnhof'?
We offer special diagnostic and therapeutic options in our practice.
Trichoscan
We recommend a Trichoscan. Here, the scalp is documented and subsequently analyzed using high-resolution photos. In addition to the number of hairs in different regions of the scalp, we also obtain further information, such as how many hairs are in the growth phase. The thickness and diameter of the hairs are also measured. Without removing any hairs, the status of the living hairs can be assessed using a special camera. This helps us determine how your individual hair growth is progressing, whether you are experiencing abnormal hair loss, and allows us to establish a personalized treatment plan for you.
This procedure is also well-suited for monitoring progress after successful treatment. The cost is EUR 100 per scan.
Blood Analysis
In our practice, we can determine various blood values. Among other things, micronutrients can be analyzed, allowing us to tailor the therapy and accompanying therapeutic measures to your individual situation.
What treatment is available?
Treatment depends on the exact form of hair loss and the underlying cause(s) that are detected. After a comprehensive diagnosis, we will provide detailed advice on possible treatment, so that we can then decide on a course of action together.
In addition to treating the possible underlying disease and eliminating factors that may promote hair loss such as stress or deficiencies, the available treatments include local and systemic therapies, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma; blood therapy) and mesotherapy.
In selected cases, a hair transplantation is the most meaningful and sustainable treatment option. As a dermatology partner practice, we work closely with Moser Medical – the number one provider of hair transplantation in Austria – giving our patients leading expertise and outstanding results.
For the following types of hair loss, we now have special and new treatment concepts that we would like to briefly explain:
Alopecia Areata (circular hair loss):
For milder cases, there are topical therapies (ointments/tinctures) or Laser-assisted Drug Delivery (LADD). With LADD, active ingredients such as corticosteroids are minimally invasively introduced directly into the correct layer. We now also have a new oral medication available for severe cases. We will provide you with detailed advice.
Androgenetic Alopecia:
For hormone-related hair loss, we have special therapies that we tailor to your specific situation. In some cases, mesotherapy can be helpful. The therapy is initially administered every 4 weeks over a period of 4 to 6 months, after which maintenance therapy can be done every 3 months. A cocktail of active ingredients is applied directly to the hair roots. This may include vitamins and, in certain cases, Dutasteride (a hormone blocker). This procedure, especially in men with genetically induced hair loss or in women after menopause, yields very good results with Dutasteride. The advantage is that we can place the active ingredients directly at the hair roots without systemic side effects.
Since every patient and every case of hair loss is unique, we ask that you book a general dermatology consultation. During the appointment, we can advise you, initiate the necessary diagnostics, and create a treatment plan based on that.
Book your appointment in our practice in Vienna here
Dr. Antonia Schreiber has a special interest in the treatment of hair loss. She was also a scholarship recipient of the "Therapeutics in Hair Loss and Hair Transplant" workshop in Madrid, a face-to-face workshop organized by the European Association for Dermato-Venereology (EADV).
FAQ – Hair loss
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about hair loss.
-
What is hair loss?
Hair loss refers to increased shedding or thinning of scalp or body hair. It may be genetic, hormone-related, stress-induced, inflammatory or reactive after illness. Sudden heavy shedding is also possible.
-
What causes hair loss?
Common causes include genetic thinning (androgenetic alopecia), diffuse shedding after stress or infections, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata), medications or scalp disorders.
-
How does a dermatologist diagnose hair loss?
Diagnosis is based on medical history, scalp and hair examination, and when needed, blood tests (iron status, thyroid, hormones). In unclear cases, trichoscopy/trichoscan or a scalp biopsy may be required.
-
What treatments are available?
Depending on the cause, topical treatments, supplements, medications, PRP, mesotherapy, laser therapy or hair transplantation may be used. The goal is either to stimulate regrowth or prevent further progression.
-
How do diet and lifestyle influence hair loss?
Stress, poor sleep, restrictive diets or deficiencies can worsen hair loss. Balanced nutrition, stress reduction and healthy routines support hair growth and scalp health.
-
Are there related conditions that influence hair loss?
Yes, hair loss is often associated with thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases or inflammatory scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
-
Why should I choose Medizin am Hauptbahnhof for hair loss treatment?
Our clinic provides advanced diagnostics such as trichoscopy, comprehensive laboratory testing, specialised dermatologists and access to modern treatments such as PRP, mesotherapy and medical growth stimulators — centrally located in Vienna, efficient and guideline-based.
