Glossary On Diagnosis of Hair Loss

At Dr. Batra's, with the use of breakthrough technology, we can diagnose hair loss even in the crucial early stages when most people tend to miss it. The use of Folliscope (PC based video microscope) is a painless and non-invasive test and it takes just a few minutes to measure hair thickness and density. It aids the diagnosis as follows:

• The Folliscope magnifies the view of hair follicles and the scalp up to 200 times
• It can determine the density of hair in a selected patch and detect thinning at an early stage.
• It identifies the ratio of terminal: vellus hair which may be altered in early stages. At a stage of early alteration of this ratio, patient is usually not aware about the hair loss that has already begun and if corrected at the right time, further loss can be prevented.
• Folliscope can also determine the type of the scalp (normal, dry, oily) so that patient can choose the right kind of products for his hair
• In addition, it can diagnose other conditions on the scalp such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, scarring, etc.

This early detection technology at Dr. Batra's which very few clinics have, facilitates early treatment thereby raising the probability of its success.

In most cases of hair loss, a detailed case history and proper examination also gives significant clues about the condition and its causes. Certain other tests may also be required to detect the cause of the hair loss:

• Pull test: This is done to diagnose or rule out telogen effluvium. Several hair strands are gently pulled together to see how many come out.
• Biopsy: In suspected cases of scarring alopecia areata, this may be performed.
• Blood tests for related conditions: To rule out anemia, diabetes, lupus, thyroid disorders, etc.