Several distinct conditions, some reversible and some where speed of assessment matters.
What you may notice
Both men and women, and increasingly common with age
Hair loss is not one condition. Pattern hair loss is gradual and treatable; telogen effluvium follows a physiological stress and usually recovers; alopecia areata is autoimmune and patchy; scarring alopecias destroy the follicle permanently and are the reason a scaling, itching or tender scalp should be assessed sooner rather than later. Blood tests form part of the assessment.
Treatments
What each treatment involves, how many sessions it takes, and what the downtime actually is.
A full skin assessment with a consultant dermatologist, and a written plan.
A systematic examination of the whole skin with dermoscopy and mapping.
Removal of lesions under local anaesthetic, with histology on everything taken.
Prescription treatment for acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and hair loss, with review.
Identifying the substance causing a contact dermatitis, which is how it is treated.
Controlled narrowband UVB, given in a cabinet two or three times a week.
Treatment for facial redness, thread veins and the visible vessels of rosacea.
Fractional laser for texture, scarring and sun damage, with real downtime.
A controlled exfoliation for pigmentation, texture and congestion.
Muscle-relaxing and volumising injections, given by a doctor after assessment.
Appointments
Every treatment starts with an assessment by a dermatologist. Bring photographs of anything that comes and goes — it will not be there on the day.