My name is Maggie Nolan and I'm an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Virginia.

Today I would like to talk to you about alopecia and women and prepare you for your future appointment with one of our dermatologists Alopecia is the medical term we use to describe hair loss hair naturally cycles between growing resting and falling out phases.

Because roughly 10 percent of your hairs are in the falling out phase.

At any given time most people will lose 100 to 150 hairs a day.

When you begin to shed more than this it can be emotionally and socially quite distressing.

Remember that staying calm is half the battle to treat hair loss.

Hair loss can be divided into two categories scarring hair loss and non scarring hair loss since the follicle or hair unit are not destroyed in non scarring allocations.

There is the potential for regrowth or return to normal hair density thickness.

In this conditions over time scarring allocations result in follicular destruction and permanent hair loss if not adequately treated.

There are a number of treatments for both scarring and non scarring Al species that we will discuss briefly.

Determining the type of hair loss you are experiencing is critical to getting you treated appropriately.

A large part of your evaluation is based on information that you already have.

Being prepared for your visit will optimize the time you have with your physician to plan your treatment course.

Think about the following questions before your visit.

When did your hair loss began.

Did you notice gradual thinning or was it acute and onset.

Can you think about any changes in your medical history or medications that occurred prior to the onset of your hair loss.

Do you have any symptoms related to your hair loss such as itching burning stinging or rash on the body.

Do you have or have you ever processed your hair with hair dye bleach straighten your ears keratin treatments permanence or relax.

And what daily styling practices do you do to your hair.

Do you blow dry curl or straighten what shampoos and conditioners do you use daily gathering this information will help your dermatologist when you see your doctor they will examine your scalp closely as well as the rest of your body for any associated rashes.

Often your history and exam allow them to make a diagnosis they may perform a test where they pull on your hair to see how easily hairs come out and potentially examine these hairs under the microscope.

If your doctor is unable to determine the cause of your hair loss blood tests and a skin bypass may be recommend a skin biopsy requires removing a small portion of skin about the size of a pencil eraser and putting a few stitches in to allow adequate healing.

Your biopsy sample will be sent to a pathologist who specializes in the diagnosis of hair loss.

Once your dermatologist is given your results they will contact you to review them.

If you have a non scarring hair loss topical products including Rogaine topical steroids intra lesions steroids and other creams that block the immune system in the skin may be beneficial.

If you are found to have scarring hair loss your doctor may discuss additional oral treatments that suppress your immune system to allow adequate hair regrowth.

If you are found to have scarring hair loss your doctor may discuss additional oral treatments that suppress your immune system to allow adequate hair grow.

Some oral treatments used in male patients may be ineffective in women.

Hair grows very slowly.

About a half an inch a month.

The improvement you see with your treatment is slow and will not be seen over days or even over weeks waiting for hair to grow is like watching grass grow with time you will see results.

It's important to stick with your treatment plan recommended by your doctor.

Remember half the battle of treating care loss is remaining calm.

Thank you for listening to this educational video on alopecia and women.

Please remember that this video does not replace a visit with your physician.

Please seek treatment early.

We look forward to seeing you at the University of Virginia Department of Dermatology.