Medical Guide
Hair Loss: When to See a Dermatologist in Sri Lanka
Learn about hair loss warning signs, assessment, common contributing factors, and preparing for a dermatologist consultation.
General patient education. Consult Dr. Amitha Nelumdeniya for personalised medical advice.
Seek assessment for sudden or concerning changes
Arrange a consultation when hair loss begins suddenly, creates patches, affects the scalp with pain or inflammation, follows a new medicine, or continues without improvement. Early review is also useful when hair loss affects eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body areas.
Hair loss has different possible causes
Possible contributors include inherited patterns, recent illness, stress, nutrition, hormonal changes, medicines, scalp conditions, and autoimmune disease. The appearance and timing of hair loss help guide the assessment.
- Bring a list of medicines, supplements, and recent health changes.
- Mention family history and how quickly the change developed.
- Avoid starting multiple unproven products before assessment.
What may happen during a consultation
The dermatologist may examine the scalp and hair pattern, review medical history and products, and decide whether tests are useful. The recommended approach depends on the likely cause and whether the follicles appear capable of recovery.
Is all hair shedding permanent?
No. Some shedding patterns are temporary, while others may progress without care. The pattern, duration, scalp findings, and health history help distinguish them.