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Hair Loss


Struggling with hair loss can be frustrating and overwhelming, but at Olive Branch Dermatology, Dr. Alkeswani is here to help you regain confidence with personalized, expert care. Specializing in a wide range of hair loss conditions, including those affecting Black women, like central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), Dr. Alkeswani focuses on understanding the root causes to provide effective solutions. Whether it’s genetic, hormonal, or due to autoimmune conditions, her tailored treatments are designed to restore healthy hair and help you feel your best.


What causes hair loss?

Hair loss in both men and women can result from a variety of factors, including autoimmune conditions, stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and genetics. If you're noticing hair thinning or loss, your first step should be to consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Alkeswani at Olive Branch Dermatology.

The causes of hair loss can range from common issues to rare genetic conditions. Below are some of the most frequent factors:

  • Genetics
  • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disease, hypothyroidism)
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Stress
  • Severe illness with fever, like COVID-19
  • Poor nutrition (vitamin or mineral deficiencies)
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, or menopause
  • Medications, including weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic)
  • Bacterial or fungal infections
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)
  • Secondary syphilis
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Certain hairstyles or hair practices
  • Radiation therapy
  • Extreme weight loss, including from rapid dieting or GLP-1 medications like Ozempic
  • Anorexia
  • Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)

Rapid weight loss, whether from extreme dieting or the use of medications like GLP-1 agonists (such as Ozempic), can also trigger hair loss as the body adjusts to significant metabolic changes. Understanding the root cause of your hair loss is key to determining the right treatment. Dr. Alkeswani will work closely with you to identify the underlying factors and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your hair's health.


What to Expect During Your Appointment for Hair Loss


When you come to Olive Branch Dermatology for your hair loss appointment, you can look forward to a thorough and personalized evaluation. Here’s what to expect:


Initial Consultation:

Your appointment will start with a conversation about your hair loss concerns. Dr. Alkeswani will ask about your medical history, including any family history of hair loss, previous treatments, and lifestyle factors. For example, be ready to discuss any recent stress, changes in diet, or medications (such as weight loss drugs like Ozempic) that may have contributed to your condition.


Physical Examination:

Dr. Alkeswani will perform a detailed examination of your scalp and hair. This may include checking for signs of inflammation, scarring, or patterns of thinning. She might also examine your skin and nails to gather additional clues about your overall health.


Diagnostic Tests:

Based on her findings, Dr. Alkeswani may recommend various tests. Common examples include:

  • Blood Tests: To check for hormone levels (like thyroid function), iron levels, or signs of autoimmune disorders.
  • Scalp Biopsy: If necessary, to rule out conditions like lichen planus or other skin disorders.
  • Fungal Culture: To identify any potential fungal infections affecting the scalp.


Discussion of Findings:

After the examination and tests, Dr. Alkeswani will explain the results to you. For instance, she might discuss how hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies could be impacting your hair health.


Personalized Treatment Plan:

Together, you will develop a customized treatment plan. This may include options such as:

  • Topical Treatments: Like minoxidil to stimulate hair growth.
  • Oral Medications: Such as finasteride for male-pattern baldness or spironolactone for female-pattern hair loss.
  • Advanced Therapies: Including:

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: To promote hair growth using your own blood.

DERIVE Exosome Therapy: A cutting-edge treatment that uses exosomes to enhance hair follicle regeneration and overall scalp health.

Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery: A method that uses laser technology to enhance the penetration of medications into the scalp, increasing their effectiveness.



Follow-Up Care:

You will also discuss a follow-up schedule to monitor your progress. Regular appointments will help ensure that your treatment plan is effective and allow for adjustments as needed.


By the end of your appointment, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your hair loss and a strategic plan to help restore your hair's health.


Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Topical Treatment:


  • Minoxidil (Rogaine): A well-established over-the-counter treatment that promotes hair growth and slows hair loss. Available in liquid and foam formulations for ease of use.


  • Corticosteroid Creams or Foams: Prescribed for inflammatory conditions like alopecia areata to reduce inflammation and encourage regrowth.


  • Topical Finasteride: A prescription-only topical treatment that targets dihydrotestosterone (DHT) locally to help prevent hair loss with potentially fewer systemic side effects than oral finasteride.


  • Ketoconazole Shampoo: A medicated shampoo with antifungal properties that can help reduce scalp inflammation and is often used as part of the treatment for androgenetic alopecia.


  • Tretinoin (Retin-A): A topical retinoid that can enhance the efficacy of other hair loss treatments by improving scalp health and promoting hair follicle function.


  • Latanoprost Solution: Initially developed for treating glaucoma, this compound has been shown to promote hair growth in some patients and can be applied to the scalp.



Custom Compounded Topicals: Dr. Alkeswani may create personalized formulations that combine multiple active ingredients tailored to an individual’s specific hair loss condition.



Oral Medications

  • Finasteride (Propecia)
  • Spironolactone
  • Dutasteride
  • Oral contraceptives (for women)


Injections

  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections (for inflammatory conditions)


Advanced Therapies


  • DERIVE Plant-Based Exosome Therapy:

This innovative treatment uses plant-derived exosomes to promote hair follicle regeneration and enhance scalp health. Rich in growth factors and bioactive molecules, it stimulates hair growth and reduces inflammation, making it especially effective for those experiencing thinning hair.


  • Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery:

This technique combines low-level laser therapy with topical medications to enhance absorption and effectiveness. By increasing the scalp's permeability, it allows for deeper penetration of treatments like dutasteride, resulting in improved outcomes for hair restoration with less side effects.


  • Red Light Therapy using Revian Cap:

The Revian Cap utilizes clinically-proven red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and promote growth. By enhancing circulation and energizing scalp cells, this FDA-cleared device helps reduce inflammation and improve overall scalp health, making it a convenient at-home treatment for hair loss.




Nutritional and Supplement Support

Vitamin and mineral supplements (e.g., biotin, iron, zinc)



Counseling and Support

Stress management techniques

Support groups for individuals experiencing hair loss