Word trikhos means in Greek hair. Trichology is a branch of medicine that investigates and diagnoses problems related to the scalp and hair. It looks for their causes and proposes specific treatments.
Who is a trichologist?
Currently, we can encounter two types of specialists in this field - trichologistwho is usually a dermatologist, and cosmetic trichologists. These are people without a medical background, but properly trained to examine the scalp mostly in terms of hair loss. However, a dermatologist who is a trichologist may prescribe more intensive prescription remedies .
A doctor of trichology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of ailments related to the hair and scalp . His tasks include a thorough analysis of the condition of the scalp, the hair roots and the treatment of related conditions. The most common are: dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis and androgenetic alopecia. The task of the trichologist is also to determine the causes of hair loss, and to select the appropriate, treatment and care. The trichologist is also concerned with improving the condition and structure of the hair.
Trichology yesterday and today
Trichology is a relatively young scientific field. It was established in London around 1860 and is considered to have been founded by Professor Wheeler, who initiated research into hair loss. In Poland, trichology germinated quite late. In 1970, the precursor of Polish trichology is considered to be Wojciech Kostanecki, who published the book "Diseases of the Hair".
Currently trichology constitutes a separate field of medical study, and at some universities even exists as a major . Trichologists can also educate themselves in various types of trichology courses. Since 1974, the International Association of Trichologists (IAT) has been active at the University of Southern California.
How does the trichologist treat?
In simpler cases, a single visit to the trichologist may be sufficient. In more complicated ones, treatment may take up to several months. The trichologist often works together with a cosmetologist and a nutritionist. They help him or her choose the optimal diet for the patient and match the most effective treatments to improve hair structure. Sometimes, when hair loss is the result of a psychological condition, it is necessary for the trichologist to cooperate with a psychologist or psychiatrist. On the other hand, in the case of hormonal causes, consultation with an endocrinologist is also necessary.
The most common treatments used for excessive hair loss and oily hair include: mesotherapy, oxygen and carbon dioxide treatments, irradiation and electrostimulation. These improve blood supply and oxygenation to the scalp, stimulate the hair follicles to produce new hair and strengthen and regenerate the hair.
Sometimes pharmacotherapy or relaxation and relaxation treatments prove necessary. The trichologist should remedy existing hair problems and give the patient advice on how to avoid them.
What does a trichological examination consist of?
A good specialist trichologist should take a thorough history of the patient's condition prior to the examination and perform specialised tests. These include trichoscopy, trichogram, camera examination and elemental analysis of the hair.
A professional trichology practice should be equipped with equipment that allows multiple magnifications of the scalp and hair follicles. Such an examination makes it possible to detect many current problems and to estimate the amount of so-called succession hair - i.e. growing hair.
Trichoscopy, on the other hand, involves photographing the scalp four times on the occiput, above the forehead and on the sides of the head, so that after repeated magnification of the images, the trichologist can determine what type of alopecia the patient has suffered. The trichogram, on the other hand, involves taking approximately 100 to 150 hairs from the patient along with the follicles and examining them under a microscope.
An elemental hair composition analysis is also a common test, determining the current diet and nutritional deficiencies that often cause hair loss problems. It also detects heavy metals and can help in the diagnosis of poisoning. In the case of diseases of the digestive system, on the other hand, this examination makes it possible to assess the nutritional state of the body and also to diagnose hormonal diseases. It is also useful in diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, gout or hyperlipidaemia.
When going to see a trichologist, remember that you should not wash your head on the day - but should do so the day before.
