Dwindling hair, brittle nails

Two types of hair loss

It is therefore particularly important to clarify the causes of hair loss quickly. A distinction is made between two forms: non-scarring hair loss, in which hair growth is restored, and scarring hair loss, in which the hair roots are destroyed and the hair is permanently lost. Scarring hair loss can usually be stopped; the earlier this happens, the more hair is retained. Non-scarring hair loss includes, for example, circular hair loss. This can usually also be treated well. Hair loss can be caused by immune disorders, bacterial diseases, fungal diseases or a malfunction of the thyroid gland. However, iron deficiency, medication or chemotherapy can also lead to hair loss.

The cause is usually found

The most common reason for consulting a doctor is the loss of hair with increasing age, known as androgenetic hair loss, which occurs in both men and women. “There are also effective ways to combat this,” says Thomas Kündig. However, these must be taken as medication without interruption, while others must be applied to the scalp twice a day as a tincture. And: Patients have to bear the treatment costs themselves, as this form of reduced hair growth is not classified as a disease by health insurance companies. For many, however, the hair loss is so serious that they are willing to put up with the effort, possible side effects and costs.

The cause of nail diseases is also found in most cases. “They are often a side effect of other skin diseases such as lichen ruber or a malfunction of the thyroid gland. But chemotherapy and certain medications can also affect the nails.” Here too, Thomas Kündig believes it is important to have the problem assessed quickly by a dermatologist, because: “We can help effectively and quickly in almost all cases.”