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Scalp Biopsy?
Hey guys,
Just realized that in order to really know and be sure of the cause of hair loss, a scalp biopsy needs to be done. My doctor has never talked about it, my AGA was diagnosed based on my testosterone level, and also because I have the symptoms of PCOS. I am wondering a lot of things now, as far as if I was really given the right diagnosis. I have also noticed however that for years, I have had this odd scalp issue(I've always thought it was just dandruff) where my scalp becomes scaly often, with intense itching, and I can literally feel tiny scabs on my scalp(sorry for the gross imagery...lol..I do that sometimes) and of course I scratch to the point of bleeding:( I've had this problem for years, from since I was a little girl..Never addressed it to the doctor, because I thought it was just a case of severe dandruff. Can this be the reason for my hair loss? and Should I look into a scalp biopsy? Please help:(
Just realized that in order to really know and be sure of the cause of hair loss, a scalp biopsy needs to be done. My doctor has never talked about it, my AGA was diagnosed based on my testosterone level, and also because I have the symptoms of PCOS. I am wondering a lot of things now, as far as if I was really given the right diagnosis. I have also noticed however that for years, I have had this odd scalp issue(I've always thought it was just dandruff) where my scalp becomes scaly often, with intense itching, and I can literally feel tiny scabs on my scalp(sorry for the gross imagery...lol..I do that sometimes) and of course I scratch to the point of bleeding:( I've had this problem for years, from since I was a little girl..Never addressed it to the doctor, because I thought it was just a case of severe dandruff. Can this be the reason for my hair loss? and Should I look into a scalp biopsy? Please help:(
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rose Wickler on
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My boyfriend has the "dandruff" thing you described but he doesn't have hair loss. His parents always say it's Eczyma but if you Google Picture Eczyma, it doesn't look anything like his scalp. He doesn't scrub his head very well in the shower though, so that's probably part of the problem. I dont know if that works when you dont have hair. I dont know if this is what your scalp looks like but it was worth a try. I'd still point it out to my doctor though, if I were you.
Hope this helps!
Rose
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One more thing I forgot, I'll pray for you and your hair hunny. Good luck.
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth on
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Thanks so much for the info....I also have oily scalp, (to the extreme sometimes...) I have to wash my hair a few times a week because of it... I'm afraid to use dandruff shampoos because I'm afraid of losing more hair, just because of the strength of it..
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Thanks for the advice:) I was thinking of maybe switching to baby shampoo since it's very gentle, but I will consult my derm..thanks:)
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Permalink Reply by Emory on
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You may also have Psoriasis of the scalp. I know scalp biopsies are used to diagnose alopecia because they can see the lymphocytes surrounding the hair follicles, but I'm not sure about some of the other scalp disorders. I recommend seeing your dermatologist and asking them. They should be able to give you a better idea of what's going on and recommend the right treatment for you. As a physician, I can tell you that Google images is not the more reliable way to make a diagnosis.
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Thanks for the advice, interestingly though, my father used to have a severe form of Psoriasis on his scalp, I remember it took a long time for the condition to improve... I remember he used to have very odd colored patches on his scalp...I can't see the same effect on my scalp, but I can really feel those weird scab-like substances on my scalp...
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Permalink Reply by Alliegator on
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I agree...you could have psoriasis or eczema. I have eczema and AGA. I'm starting to wonder if there is a correlation between the two. I attended an alopecian lunch and only one person out of 6 did not have issues with eczema. Whether it is psoriasis or eczema, there are creams to help. I use Cetaphil cream and soap (over the counter). It is for people with these types of issues. Your shampoo/conditioner could be causing a flare up so try switching to a sensitive skin kind. I don't think it causes hair loss, but a scalp biopsy could confirm your diagnosis. My AGA was confirmed with a biopsy. Maybe try a different doctor.
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Permalink Reply by FANCY1024 on
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Hi Elizabeth, I would highly recommend seeing a dermatologist and having the biopsies. They should be able to tell what scalp issues you have. The biopsy does not hurt (at least it didn't for me). They diagnosed my AA with the biopsy. They also indicated that my hair was being manually pulled out. which was crazy! The last think I would do was pull out my hair on purpose! I finally figured out that I was pulling too hard with the hair brush while styling my hair to cover the balding spots. Stupid, stupid! Should have realized! Dr says it does not take much pressure to pull out the hair when you have AA but who knows! Anyway, it's amazing what those biopsies can tell you. As for the scalp itching, I've never really had a problem with itching. At least not until I started to get the injections. I started to notice the excessive itching after about the third month of the injections and my scalp continues to itch even though I'm not getting the injections anymore. I wish you luck with your hair issues and I'm here if you need to talk. Hugs, Di
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