Trichologist: the medical expert of the scalp

INTRODUCTION

The trichologist is a professional expert in the field of trichology¹. Trichology is the field of medicine that studies the affections of the hair and especially of the hair and scalp.

The figure of the trichologist studies the anatomy, physiology and pathology of different kind of hair².

The trichologist differs from the trichopigmentist who is an expert in the field of trichopigmentation.

Trichological examinations are performed in presence of a scalp pathology. For example, dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia or psoriasis require observation in a trichology clinic.

During trichological examinations, scalp and hair are analyzed by video-dermatoscopy.

The trichogram performed by the trichologist gives an assessment of the concentration of the hair, as well as its size and state of development.

WHEN TO SEE A TRICOLOGIST

The trichologist is an expert in the branch of dermatology which study the hair and scalp.

A thricologist visit is necessary in cases where the patient is suffering from pathologies of the scalp. In fact, the abnormal occurrence of androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, psoriasis or dermatitis should be promptly evaluated by a competent person. Contacting a trichologist dermatologist helps to avoid incurring worse issues.

Trichology centers and clinics are scattered throughout the country: contact your doctor to inquire about the nearest reliable center.

TRICOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

The visit to the trichologist is structured in the following steps.

PHASE 1: COLLOQUY

In the first phase, there is an informative interview between trichologist and patient called anamnesis. An information sheet is completed in which the patient’s and family members’ medical history is collected. In addition, it may be helpful to discuss with the patient about habits and lifestyle.

PHASE 2: PULL/WASH TEST

This second phase tests how resistant the hair is when it gets pulled. The trichologist simply pulls on the patient’s hair and tests how many come off.

Next, it will be performed a wash of the hair. This test allows the trichologist to diagnose how much hair falls out during the wash.

PHASE 3: VIDEODERMATOSCOPE

In the third phase, videodermatoscopy of the scalp takes place. The technique involves the use of a microscope and a camera connected together and used in a specific way.

This examination allows to diagnose any hair pathologies in a quick, painless and non-invasive way. In fact, the trichologist collects essential information for the analysis of the hair. Among the most important parameters analyzed, we find the density of the follicles, the diameter of the hair and the thickness of the fibers.

PHASE 4: TRICOGRAM

During the fourth phase, the dermatologist uses a microscope to analyze the hair regrowth cycle.

Although each hair has the three phases of:

Anagen, or growth;
Catagen, or involution;
Telogen, or resting;

it is recommended to use this examination when you have hair loss or thinning.

In this exam, the trichologist uses a machine that allows data, such as photos, to be stored for follow-ups over time.

PHASE 5: THERAPY

Based on the data collection and results given by the previous stages, the trichologist recommends a specific treatment to the patient. The therapy can be a pharmacological treatment or a topical therapy. In the first case, it is necessary to cover any alterations in enzymes and imbalances in metabolism. In addition, supplements or medications are administered to fill the deficiencies. In the second case, lotions or galenic substances with hair stimulation properties are used. Such preparations also allow to regulate the sebum in the scalp and disinfect inflamed areas.

PREPARATION FOR TRICOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

It is important to inform the trichologist about any medical therapy that could affect the scalp. In addition, consultation of blood chemistry tests is helpful for diagnosis.

Some cosmetic habits such as dyeing or ironing could alter the diagnosis of the examination done by the trichologist. Therefore, it is not recommended to perform washes or cosmetic procedures in the days close to the examination.

TRICOLOGY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

The trichologist allows a treatment that can ensure the vitality of the hair, supporting the most fragile ones. In addition, a therapy from the trichologist is necessary, for example, to get the scalp ready for surgery and also in the post-surgery period.

However, there are alternative solutions to trichology such as cosmetic camouflage or PRP. The only notable alternatives are:

Hair Transplantation

This solution is a surgical procedure in which hair bulbs are transferred from denser areas of hair to more glabrous areas. Modern techniques are based on over 70 years of experience and ensure natural-looking aesthetic results.

The hair transplant remains the ultimate solution to the problem of hair loss.

TRICOPIGMENTATION

The tricopigmentation³ is an aesthetic technique that allows you to mask baldness. It can be both reversible or permanent solution that grafts microscopic deposits of ash-colored pigment.

This solution allows the shaved effect or density effect.

CARBOSSYTHERAPY

This technique allows a trophic action on the scalp that allows a stimulation of the cutaneous adnexa. In addition, the inhibition of premature hair loss can be verified and regrowth is promoted.

BIO-TRICO-STIMULATION

Bio-trical stimulation is a formulation that is injected into the scalp that contains natural hyaluronic acid. By doing so, it is possible to:

Hydrate the hair and scalp
Inhibit hair loss
Fight dandruff

CONCLUSIONS

A trichologist is a dermatologist with a specialization in the study of the hair and scalp.

The professional is an expert in trichology, a field of aesthetic medicine concerning hair.

It is important to consult a trichologist if you have any pathologies related to the scalp: psoriasis, dermatitis, alopecia.

The visit to the trichologist is structured in 5 phases. Phase 1 is the informative interview. Phase 2 is the hair washing and pulling tests. Phase 3 is the videodermatoscopy examination, which is important for hair analysis. The fourth phase is the trichogram examination, which allows to analyze the life cycle of the hair.

Step 5 is the drafting of a specific therapy.

Before making a trichological examination, it is not recommended to perform cosmetic treatments to the hair.

Among the therapeutic alternatives to trichology, the most important are hair transplantation and tricopigmentation.

REFERENCES

[1] https://www.treccani.it/vocabolario/tricologia

[2] https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricologia

[3] https://www.beautymedical.it/