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The trichological examination is performed for diagnostic purposes. It is used to assess the condition of the hair and scalp, as well as to identify the causes of symptoms such as hair loss, dandruff and seborrhea. The result of the trichological examination allows the treatment plan to be established. It can also be the basis for starting disease diagnosis with a specific specialist.
What is trichology?
The word trichology is derived from the Greek word trikhos meaning hair. The first mention of trichology dates back to 1860. It was then that Professor Wheeler began researching hair loss. The result of his activities was the establishment of the institute of trichology in 1902. Currently, the most famous institution related to trichology is the International Association of Trichologists, which was established in 1974 at the University of South Carolina. It educates trichology specialists all over the world.
Trichology is the study of hair and scalp. It allows you to find out the causes of hair problems, including associated with falling out, dandruff or greasy hair. The person to go to when we start experiencing hair or scalp problems is a trichologist.
To assess the condition of the scalp and hair, a trichological test should be performed. If we have to take action, then it is worth undergoing a trichological procedure.
What is a trichological examination?
The trichological examination is painless and requires no special preparation or referral. Many people do them prophylactically. Trichological examination should begin with getting acquainted with the patient’s health condition. The information that the trichologist should receive relates to hormonal disorders, morphology, diet and cosmetics.
The trichological examination consists in magnifying the examined areas several times and analyzing the image from the camera. In the trichological examination, particular attention is paid to the scalp, hair bulbs and the entire hair. A complete analysis may include the following:
- trichoscopy – it is an analysis of the scalp with a dermatoscope taking into account the condition of the hair, which allows to determine the causes of hair loss;
- analytical trichodiagram – taking hair samples for testing;
- trichometry – measurements of various hair parameters, with an emphasis on their thickness;
- analysis of seborrheic keratinization for the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis;
- mycological examination to detect fungal cells;
- laboratory tests – morphology with smear, thyroid profile tests, levels of prolactin, ferritin and testosterone.
Trichology allows you to determine the cause of problems with the hair and scalp, as well as to implement adequate treatment methods.
It is worth noting that trichology allows you to determine whether the body has symptoms of serious diseases. A trichologist often works with specialists such as a gynecologist, endocrinologist or dermatologist.
Trichology – why does hair fall out?
There can be many causes of hair loss. We already mentioned that the trichologist should work with other specialists. Why? The causes of hair loss may include: tumors, inflammation in the body, the perinatal period, hormonal disorders or menopause.
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Trichology – when to go to the examination?
A trichological examination should be performed by anyone who notices that their hair is starting to fall out excessively. Trichology also deals with other problems, which include:
- seborrhea,
- dry or oily dandruff,
- sensitive scalp,
- psoriasis,
- alopecia
- atopic dermatitis,
- seborrheic dermatitis.
On the basis of the examination, the trichologist may refer the person to a specialist. Thanks to this, trichology contributes to the detection of diseases or ailments at a very early stage of development and helps to fight them. In women, hair loss most often indicates a problem in the body.
In the case of men, it could simply be a genetic condition. However, problems with hair loss can also affect adolescents and children. Thanks to the available tools, a trichologist is able to accurately determine the cause of hair loss and select the appropriate therapy.
Trichology – treatments
The trichological treatment may involve cleansing the scalp, soothing irritated areas, nourishing, moisturizing and stimulating blood circulation. It should also be mentioned that the example trichological surgery can be needle mesotherapy of the head. It involves injecting a substance into the scalp that nourishes the hair. Trichological procedures include, for example, oxygen infusion, darsonvalization of the scalp, trichological massage or ultrasound.
In the case of excessive hair loss, with examples of treatments improving the blood supply to the scalp, apart from needle mesotherapy, fibrin or platelet-rich plasma therapy, as well as peptide therapy are also used.
Diseases of the scalp also require a special approach. It is cleansed with peeling, thus removing callous epidermis, sebum and other impurities. An important stage of the therapy is the already mentioned trichological massage, but also the delivery of active ingredients that – depending on the needs – will nourish, soothe and stimulate the skin.
An interesting proposition is also carboxytherapy of the scalp, i.e. subcutaneous injection of carbon dioxide to rebuild the skin, reduce hair loss or treat psoriasis.
Trichology – costs of examinations and treatments
In the case of trichology, the cost of the basic examination is about PLN 100–150. However, it must be remembered that it all depends on the individual price lists of each trichologist. When it comes to trichological procedures and the course of the entire therapy, the cost can be up to several hundred zlotys, because it is necessary to carry out a series of several treatments. The prices of individual treatments may be:
- carboxytherapy – from 150 to 200 PLN;
- needle mesotherapy – from 200 to 400 PLN;
- platelet-rich plasma therapy – from 500 to 800 PLN;
- hair peptide therapy – from 600 to 750 PLN;
- scalp peeling – approx. PLN 100;
- trichological massage – from 80 to 120 PLN.