What a trichologist does, what a dermatologist does, and why the cause of your hair loss decides who you should see first.
If your hair is thinning or falling out, the first question is who to see. In Karachi you will find trichologists, hair clinics and dermatologists all offering hair treatments. They are not the same, and the difference matters for your result.
What a trichologist does
A trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp care. Training varies a great deal, and in Pakistan it is usually a short course rather than a medical degree. A trichologist can assess the hair and scalp and recommend care, but is not a doctor and cannot diagnose medical conditions, order and interpret blood tests, or prescribe medicines.
What a dermatologist does
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who has trained in diseases of the skin, hair and nails. That includes everything a trichologist sees, and more: the medical causes behind hair loss. A dermatologist can examine your scalp, order blood tests, diagnose conditions such as alopecia areata or scalp psoriasis, prescribe treatment and carry out procedures like PRP and exosomes.
Why the cause matters so much
Hair loss has many causes that look similar in the mirror: genetic thinning, shedding after illness, childbirth or stress, low iron, thyroid problems, PCOS and patchy alopecia. Each one needs a different treatment. A serum or a course of injections that is right for genetic thinning will do little if the real problem is low iron or a thyroid imbalance. Finding the cause first is what saves you months and money.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if your hair loss started suddenly, if it comes out in patches, if your scalp is itchy, scaly or painful, if you have other symptoms such as tiredness or irregular periods, or if treatments you have tried have not worked. Women with thinning hair should always have a medical assessment, because hormones, iron and thyroid are so often involved. You can read more in our guide to hair thinning in women.
What happens at a hair consultation with Dr. Fehmida
Dr. Fehmida Arif is a consultant dermatologist with more than thirty-five years of experience. At your consultation she examines your scalp and hair, asks about your health, diet, medicines and family history, and when needed asks for blood tests. You leave knowing what is causing your hair loss, whether it can be reversed and which treatment is worth your time. Treatments at the clinic include PRP, exosomes for hair, mesotherapy and Rigenera. See all options on our hair loss treatment in Karachi page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a trichologist a doctor?
No. A trichologist is a hair and scalp specialist but not a medical doctor, so cannot diagnose medical causes or prescribe treatment.
Can a dermatologist treat hair loss?
Yes. Hair and scalp disease is part of dermatology training, and a dermatologist can treat both the cause and the hair itself.
Do I need blood tests for hair loss?
Often, yes. Low iron, thyroid problems and hormone imbalances are common causes and are easy to miss without a test.
To book a hair consultation, message the clinic on WhatsApp at 0301 827 9630. The clinic is at 200/1 Clifton 1, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi.
Consultant Dermatologist and Laser Skin Specialist, MBBS, MCPS. Over 35 years in dermatology, five of them in Zurich, practising in Clifton, Karachi since 1999.
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