Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD about my hair loss (alopecia)?

Certainly, you can. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and inquire about any symptoms or signs of alopecia that you may be experiencing. They will also discuss your personal and family medical histories.

Before offering a diagnosis for alopecia, the healthcare professional may recommend additional tests to rule out other underlying conditions causing your hair loss.

Once a clear diagnosis for alopecia is established, the healthcare provider on Laso MD can propose suitable treatments for your condition.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Absolutely, our physicians can prescribe medications for alopecia online during your consultation. Upon accepting a prescription for alopecia, you can choose to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra charge.

 

What is alopecia?

Typically, people lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day, a natural process where new hair grows in to replace the lost ones. However, when the regrowth doesn’t occur, it may indicate alopecia symptoms.

Alopecia areata, commonly known as hair loss or alopecia, is a prevalent autoimmune disorder leading to hair falling out. While hair may grow back, it can also fall out again later. In some cases, regrowth may not happen at all, or once it does, it might be a permanent restoration.

Hair loss in alopecia often manifests in clumps, roughly the size and shape of a quarter. The extent of hair loss varies widely, making alopecia symptoms appear differently in each person. Some may experience minimal hair loss, while others may lose a significant amount or all of their hair. Although hair loss typically affects the scalp, it can occur in any hair-bearing areas on the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, beards, and extremities.

While the main form of alopecia is alopecia areata, there are several subtypes, including:

• Ophiasis alopecia areata – characterized by hair loss forming a band around the sides and back of the head
• Alopecia areata totalis – complete loss of hair on the head
• Alopecia areata universalis – complete loss of hair on the entire body
• Diffuse alopecia areata – sudden thinning of hair rather than distinct patches.

 

What are the indications of alopecia?

The primary manifestation of alopecia is hair loss, with variations in the pattern and speed of loss, the presence of exclamation point hairs, and potential nail involvement.

Symptoms may manifest as:

• Sudden or gradual hair thinning
• Full-body hair loss
• Increased hair loss during colder seasons
• Circular or patchy bald spots, sometimes quarter-sized
• Thinning of hair on the top of the head
• Scalp scaling
• Patches merging into larger bald areas

Individuals may experience a tingling, itching, or burning sensation around hair follicles just before hair falls out, leaving the skin smooth without redness or rashes. Less commonly, alopecia can affect fingernails and toenails, causing brittleness, redness, and pitting.

 

What triggers alopecia (hair loss)?

Alopecia results from white blood cells attacking hair follicle cells, causing shrinkage and slowing down hair production. The precise cause of this immune response remains unknown.

However, certain risk factors may increase susceptibility to alopecia, including hormonal changes, family history, extreme stress, certain medical conditions, significant weight loss, poor nutrition, medications, certain hairstyles or treatments, radiation therapy to the head, and low vitamin D levels.

 

How is alopecia (hair loss) diagnosed?

Healthcare providers at Laso MD consider personal and family medical histories, symptoms, and conduct physical exams when diagnosing alopecia. Additional tests like blood tests, scalp biopsy, and pull tests may be recommended to check for underlying conditions or infections contributing to alopecia. Light microscopy may also be used to assess hair shaft disorders.

Once diagnosed, healthcare providers recommend appropriate alopecia treatments based on the severity of the condition.

 

How is alopecia (hair loss) treated?

Various alopecia treatments are available, aiming to reverse or slow hair loss. Some forms may regrow within a year without intervention, while others may become permanent.

Treatment approaches include addressing underlying conditions, adjusting medications, prescribing alopecia medications, and, in rare cases, considering hair transplant surgery or laser therapy. Timely consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial for determining the most suitable treatment plan.

 

When to seek medical advice for alopecia (hair loss)?

Individuals experiencing hair loss should consult with a healthcare provider to identify underlying conditions that may require treatment. Laso MD offers access to healthcare providers who can provide a clear diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments, including prescription medications if needed.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD provides a fast and convenient way to connect with Canadian healthcare providers 24/7 through a user-friendly app. Users can request consultations, and within minutes, they are connected to a doctor via live chat or video. The healthcare team at Laso MD assesses symptoms and provides treatments, including prescriptions, as necessary.