I’ve Seen 3 Different Dermatologists with 3 Different Views on My Hair Loss

I have seen 3 dermatologists with 3 different views.

The first derm i go to does the pull test and says the ease of hair coming out might make it seem like a non genetic thing. The second derm wants to give me corti shots…which i received, we were to meet for 2 more sessions, but he suddenly quit the office. The 3rd derm , in replacement of the 2nd, says it is genetic and prescribes me Propecia. I feel like these docs aren’t taking the time to study things case by case so I come to YOU for some experiences advice.

HISTORY:
Started to notice hair loss in senior year of college. It has been many months since start of serious hair loss. Mother’s side all good…father’s side, hair loss beginning in 40’s and 50’s.

MY CONDITION:
Itchy scalp, most noticeable when in contact with a brush. Flaking, now very few, prob due to few uses of Nizorol. Oily…in fact, my pillow smells and in the morning it is oily and a mess. Back, side and front very good condition, the hair loss is diffused amongst the top portion of my scalp.

HAIR CONDITION:
When examining the fallen hairs, they usually have a bulb but it is small and dark. Sometimes there is a oily/flaky substance attached to it. Also, some hair I notice have a wave to them and the tip is very thin and pointed.

I have thought the possibility of a seborrhea condition, is my case something a scalp biopsy can figure out? A blood test has already revealed normal ranges in all except some hard to decipher words in the hermatology report which my physician did not deem notable.

Thank you very much in advance.

I do not agree with cortisone shots in the scalp for treating genetic hair loss. Seborrhea should be treated by any good dermatologist or family doctor. The use of topical steroids are often overkill. Pull tests are part of the work-up of a patient with hair loss. Mapping out your hair for miniaturization gives me a great deal of knowledge on what is going on in the hair of a person with balding or thinning.

Doctors don’t all agree and that is a fact of life. When you are caught up in the middle between doctor’s advice, make a judgment on who you like, who treats you with respect and who has a caring manner, then stick to that doctor. A good doctor/patient relationship is important, and trust in your doctor is significant. I can be the 4th doctor to look at you, but I’m in Los Angeles and you indicated you’re in New York — so if you don’t mind the travel, I’d certainly invite you to my office for a consultation. Or more convenient for you, my colleague Dr Robert Bernstein has an office in New York.