• Male pattern baldness
• Female hair loss,
• Patchy hair loss,
• Diffuse hair shedding,
• Seborrhoeic eczema,
• Contact dermatitis, Psoriasis,
• Scaling conditions,
• Itching scalp, Folliculitis,
• Scalp Infections.

Professional, Client Confidentiality

Telephone enquiry is always welcomed. Each visit is paid for separately. There are no forward payments demanded for prolonged courses of treatment, since treatment response is variable.

We treat conditions only as necessary. It is an ethical clinic conforming rigidly to the code of practice of the Institute of Trichologists.
 

'The day half my hair fell out'

By Deborah Tucknott

additional information written by Keith Hobbs FIT

What is alopecia?

"There are different types of alopecia and hair loss from which women can suffer.

• Alopecia areata: This is where sufferers get sudden bald patches. It is one of the less common types of female hair loss but is what most people mean when they speak of alopecia.

Keith Hobbs is a trichologist based at the Brighton Scalp & Hair Clinic, St Peter's Place, Brighton.

He says: "Although it can be unpredictable, most types of alopecia areata grow back within six months to a year. But some people can go on to suffer much more extensive hair loss.

"Although the actual causes of areata are unknown, it is considered to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's defence mechanism is destroying the hair in the same way as it would defend the body against invading diseases.

"It would seem it attacks people whose immunity is lowered after illness or trauma.

"Many possible causes have been suggested. Bereavement is top of the list, as is acute stress or sudden shock, accident or whiplash.

"Displaced vertebrae, eyestrain, cataracts, impaired vision and thyroid dysfunctions are said to be associated with areata.

"It can often be inherited and seems to attack those who suffer from eczema, asthma and hayfever.

"Treatment is supportive and cannot be guaranteed but eliminating possible causes is essential, while vitamin and mineral supplements can be of help.

"Electrotherapy and scalp massage can be of great help and doctors may prescribe minoxidil.

"Sometimes it gets better by itself with no treatment at all.

"Alopecia areata affects men, women and children. If children get it, it is more serious. "It is important to see either a trichologist or dermatologist. It is important to get as much information as you can."

Other types of hair loss in women:

• Telogen effluvium: This is common. It involves shedding of hair but without leaving bald patches. In the short term it can occur after childbirth, a fever, operation, shock or stress. Long term it can be caused by extended periods of illness.

• Androgenetic hair loss (female pattern alopecia, related to male pattern hair loss): This is uncommon, and means slow, diffuse shedding of hair at the front and/or top. It is inherited and is generally more common in older women.

• Traumatic hair loss: Uncommon, this is patchy hair loss caused by trauma.

• Alopecia totalis: Rarely alopecia areata can affect the whole scalp.

• Alopecia universalis: Rarely alopecia can affect the whole body.

• Both these conditions can last for many years but hair can re-grow spontaneously at any time without treatment.

• Scarring hair loss: Caused by accidental, bacterial or auto-immune factors. "