Is there any test to know the hair loss condition?

 When hair loss becomes a dangerous condition, it would be consequential to ignore it. The first step should be to see your family doctor. He may refer you to a specialist who has more expertise in this specialty. This may be a dermatologist (skin specialist) or a trichologist (a specialist in diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders).

It is advisable to approach a medical specialist with appropriate expertise and experience in the hair field. Do not go on hearsay and opt for the best. Stay away from quacks too. For a person losing hair, getting an expert diagnosis is of utmost importance.

Most men attribute these signs to genetic factors or heredity and resign to the fact that they are going to be losing hair and turning bald because of lousy hair genes. But you are mistaken.

A Doctor's Diagnosis:  If the hair fall is occurring at a young age, let's say in the twenties (or later too), a variety of factors can be responsible. It could be abnormal hormone levels, scalp allergies, an unbalanced diet, or infections. In such a case, one should consult a dermatologist or trichologist for an examination. Typically the doctor would use the following tests to diagnose the hair fall problem.

Tests: There are several tests that physicians can prescribe to determine why the patient is losing hair, especially when the patient is too young and completely healthy.

1.  Pull test. A physical examination wherein the doctor gently pulls out a few dozen hairs to check how many come out.
2.  Scalp biopsy.This is carried out by scraping samples from the skin on the head and few hairs from the scalp to examine the hair roots.
3.  Blood test. This can significantly help to uncover medical conditions related to hair loss, especially hormones.
4.  Light microscopy - sometimes, the doctor can't confirm a diagnosis in the clinic, so he sends the patients fora lab test. The labs scrape a small sample of skin from your scalp and examine it under a microscope. This helps them rule out conditions that may have caused hair loss. One may also have a blood test done to look for other autoimmune diseases

 

Other tests and diagnostic tools

In case of uncertainty, doctors may use specific diagnostic tools to determine the type and reason for hair loss. There are different tests for men and women. Two most commonly used hair loss assessments are:

•       Savin Scale:This scale is used for female pattern baldness. It records and classifies hair loss patterns for females who are suspected of suffering from androgenetic alopecia.

Based on simple computer illustrations, a doctor can visually quantify the hair loss pattern and thickness/density of hair.

•   Norwood Hamilton Scale: This is used to measure the extent of male pattern baldness. Many hair Transplant doctors find it useful to describe the size of general hair loss and avoid misdiagnosis. It comprises a chart of pictures showing the most typical hair loss patterns in men affected by androgenetic alopecia. 

The doctors will prescribe treatment according to Hair loss characteristics, illness, diet and medication, duration of hair loss, and family history of hair loss.