Some of the most common conditions we treat.

Androgenetic Alopecia (termed 'Male Pattern Baldness'). This familiar patern of thinning and baldness located within the hat line in males is associated with the conversion of the androgen testosterone into di-hydro-testosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. This is a multi-factorial condition in which genetic predisposition + DHT are the key factors in initiating a cyclical reduction of the anagen (hair growing) phase with progressive miniaturisation of follicles and their encumbent hairshafts. Follicles effectively 'shrink' and produce only fine vellus hairs.

General Diffuse Thinning (Telogen Effiluvium) It is normal to lose up to about 50-100 hairs a day on one's comb or brush. This is the result of the normal hair growth cycle. Hairs will grow for a few years, then rest for a few months, shed, and regrow. Telogen is the name for the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. A telogen effluvium is when some stress causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting state. Telogen effluvium can be acute or chronic.
If there is some "shock to the system", as many as 50% of the scalp hairs are then shed in large numbers about 2 months after the "shock". This sudden increase in hair loss, usually described as the hair coming out in handfuls, is acute telogen effluvium. This is a different problem than gradual genetic hair thinning. 
A considerable number of different causes for telogen effluvium exist. Among the common causes are high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications.
Typically, abrupt diffuse hair loss is noticed six to twelve weeks after the incident has initiated the biologic program for hair loss.  Significant hair shedding usually occurs when shampooing, combing, or even when gently manipulating the hair. Shedding usually slowly decreases over 6 to 8 months once the cause for the hair loss is no longer present. As some of the causes represent ongoing problems, it is important to determine the likely cause when possible and take appropriate measures to prevent continued hair loss.
The most important issue in telogen effluvium is to determine if an underlying cause for the problem is present. Hair Trace mineral analysis may need to be done if the cause is not obvious. When the cause of the hair loss is something like giving birth, a transient illness, or other self-limited problem the induced telogen effluvium normally responds well to specific nutritional supplements from a Trichologist.

Female Pattern Thinning is a common type of hair loss seen in women. Professionally diagnosed by a Trichologist, also called androgenetic alopecia. Alopecia means baldness, but just as in men, it does not have to be complete hair loss. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause.

Alopecia Areata (symptom-bald patches) is a worrying condition affecting either sex in which bald patches appear either singularly or in multiples. Patches may increase in numbers rapidly which may coalesce to involve much of the scalp. Other symptoms may include characteristic stubble, which may mean the condition is worsening. Condition usually responds well to treatment from a Trichologist. 

Alopecia Totalis commences as an Alopecia Areata patch which is rapidly joined by others which coalesce creating baldness of the entire scalp. Recurrences are possible. Fingernails may demonstrate pitting and/or ridges and again will usually responds well to treatment from a Trichologist.

Psoriasis  silvery dry scales on firm raised plaques sometimes with red margins which do not disappear with shampooing. Whereas symptoms of this troublesome disease can often be reduced, 'cure' may not be an appropriate word. A chronic skin disease, it presents in various formats. Plaque psoriasis is more frequently seen on scalps. It appears as raised inflamed skin lesions topped with silvery white scales. An isolated lesion may exist, but moderate to extensive areas of skin may be involved. Beneath psoriasis scales the skin is red, often serous, tender and may bleed. Psoriasis is a genetically determined disorder.

Trichotillomania is a rare form of alopecia caused by the recurrent uncontrolled self inflicted epilation of hair e.g. scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows or other body hair. Scalp hair is most commonly involved. This may produce noticeable hair losses e.g. bald patch(es) or sparce hair coverings to large areas of scalp.

 Pili Torti . A rare condition in which the hairshaft is twisted at regular intervals throughout its length The hairshafts present a shimmering appearance due to the effects of light. The scalp is often dry and scaly. Whereas the deformity is usually associated with scalp hairshafts, eyebrows and eyelashes may also be affected.

Trichonodosis (knotted hair) Hairs grow in loops and sometimes form knots. Frequent sites: the lower occipital regions. Head rests hats and pillows may be inculcated.

Trichoptilosis syn. Fragilitis Crinium hairshafts become dry and exhibit splits. These splits can flay - reminiscent of feathers.

Monilethrix a swelling appears on hairshafts. Breakage occurs leaving the ends frayed (almost brush like), normally at or soon after birth.

Dandruff (also called scurf and historicaly termed Pityriasis capitis) is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos.

Scarring Alopecia (Pseudoplade or Folliculitis Decalvens) The term "cicatricial alopecia" refers to a diverse group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. In some cases, hair loss is gradual, without symptoms, and is unnoticed for long periods. In other cases, hair loss is associated with severe itching, burning and pain and is rapidly progressive. The inflammation that destroys the follicle is below the skin surface. Affected areas of the scalp may show little signs of inflammation, or have redness, scaling, increased or decreased pigmentation and pustules. Cicatricial alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy men and women of all ages and is seen worldwide.