Trichology

Trichology is a branch of medicine that studies the structure, morphology and physiology of hair and scalp. Trichology deals with the diagnosis of hair and scalp diseases, and the development of preventive and therapeutic methods aimed at combating them.

A specialist who represents this area of medicine is a trichologist.

Symptoms that require you to see a trichologist:

• too oily or dry scalp;
• itching, redness of the scalp;
• excessive hair loss;
• the appearance of completely bald areas on the head;
• graying of hair that is not associated with age-related changes;
• swellings located along the entire length of the hair;
• small pustular inflammations through which hairs located on the head and in the beard growth area break through;
• thinning, splitting, knotty brittleness of hair.

Diseases that are studied trichology:

• focal, telogen, androgenetic alopecia;
• premature graying of hair;
• seborrhea;
• dandruff;
• asbestos lichen;
• mentagra;
• lupus erythematosus;
• hair atrophy;
• scab;
• hirsutism;
• mycosis;
• pediculosis;
• microsporia;
• purulent and infectious diseases of the hair follicles.

Diagnostics and treatment measures in trichology

To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, a trichologist prescribes a number of laboratory tests:

• urine and blood tests;
• blood test for hormones;
• blood test for HIV infection, etc.

Diagnostic methods include:

• computer microscopy;
• trichogram;
• skin biopsy;
• incisional biopsy;
• phototrichogram.