Q09
Can a scalp assessment tell me when to see a doctor?
Yes, this is the responsibility of testing. In addition to describing the findings, the test report should also proactively inform you of signs that require medical treatment, such as patchy hair loss, scalp scars, redness and pustules, hair loss that worsens rapidly in a short period of time, etc.
Testing tools (such as trichoscopy) can observe the condition of hair follicles and scalp, but the diagnosis of the cause is left to dermatology (Grover 2013, PMID 23974577). If you are unsure after the test, you can take the report to the dermatology department for a review; the report itself should also be takeable and available for the doctor’s reference.
This page from FerriaMed Hair Care Center explains general scalp care and the limits of our services. The Hair Care Center provides nonmedical scalp care; it does not diagnose or treat disease or prescribe medication. Consult a doctor about health concerns, and follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions for medication. This content is not medical advice. Services and prices are subject to the current written information at each location.