Traction Alopecia
What is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia is caused by repeated and prolonged tension on the hair. It can affect people of any background or sex. However, it is commonly described in women who wear tight ponytails, plaits, weaves, dreadlocks and the use of hair extensions. It is also seen in Sikh males who twist their uncut hair beneath their turbans. The clinical pattern of hair loss depends on the causative hair care practice. Often hair can be thinner or absent in the hairline at the front or sides of the scalp. Initially, hair loss is non-scarring but if left untreated unopposed tension can lead to permanent destruction or scarring of the hair follicles. Dr Ophelia will make her diagnosis on history and clinical examination findings. To exclude other causes, a scalp biopsy might sometimes be required and characteristic findings may be found.
What are my treatment options?
Education on hair care practices to limit tension and exposure to chemicals/ heat is vital in managing traction alopecia. Further treatment options can include topical treatments, oral medications or injection-based therapies.
Why visit Dr. Ophelia to treat your Traction Alopecia?
Dr. Ophelia Veraitch is an award-winning and highly respected Consultant Dermatologist. Specialising in a wide variety of hair and skin conditions, Dr. Veraitch works with every patient individually, working to truly understand the issue at hand, the products and regime a client utilises plus the mental and physical impact this condition has on their daily life. Following a detailed assessment, Dr. Veraitch expertly develops a personalised treatment plan which will help produce results, and ultimately change every one of her patient’s lives for the better.
What are my next steps?
Book a consultation with Dr. Ophelia, who will diagnose your condition and offer treatment options going forward, Click the link below to start the process.
Book a ConsultationFAQs
What should I expect from a consultation with Dr. Ophelia Veraitch?
You are at the centre of a consultation with Dr. Ophelia Veraitch. From openly discussing your skin and hair concerns to having the opportunity to ask any questions, she will also delve into what products you currently use or have used in the past. Dr. Veraitch will need to understand how your condition affects you and the impact that it is having on your life.
Following this, you will receive a thorough examination and Dr. Veraitch will review any photos that you bring along to support the diagnosis. Clinical photographs may also be taken in order to assess your response to treatment.
In most cases, a diagnosis can be offered at this stage of the consultation and written details of the condition and proposed treatment options will be provided. This will enable you to consider all options at home before making a final decision as to which course of treatment you prefer. Dr. Veraitch will also prepare a personalised care plan for you to take away at the end of your consultation.
In some cases, further investigations, such as blood tests or a skin biopsy, might be required before a final diagnosis can be made. If necessary, these will be arranged either following your appointment or on a separate visit.
Following your appointment, Dr. Veraitch and her team are happy to answer any questions you might have, to ensure that you understand and have confidence in your treatment plan.
Only treatments supported by solid evidence will be recommended.
What kinds of conditions can Dr. Ophelia Veraitch treat?
Dr. Ophelia Veraitch is highly experienced in Medical Dermatology and is able to diagnose and treat all skin and hair conditions including:
– Acne
– Rosacea
– Eczema
– Psoriasis
– Skin cancers
– Pigmentary disorders, including melasma and vitiligo
– Alopecia (androgenetic, alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris/ frontal fibrosis alopecia)
What kinds of treatments does Dr. Ophelia Veraitch offer?
Dr. Ophelia Veraitch will recommend the best course of treatment based on her assessment of each individual patient. Services include:
– PRP/ PRF hair restoration
– Steroid injections
– VIPEEL chemical peels
– Skin boosters
– Wrinkle injections
– Dermal fillers
– Ellanse collagen stimulation
– Aqualyx fat dissolving
– Lanluma cellulite and body sculpting
– Fractional resurfacing laser
– Intense pulse light, Vascular lasers
– ND:YAG laser hair removal
– Steroid injections
– Skin Surgery
How do I book an appointment?
To book an appointment, visit our booking page and complete the form. Alternatively, you can contact the medical PA to Dr Ophelia by phone: +44 (20) 7022 9888 (available Monday - Friday 9am-5pm) or email: pa@drophelia.com.
Dr Ophelia is available for appointments in clinic on Tuesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays.
How much does it cost?
The price for an initial consultation with Dr. Ophelia Veraitch is £375 for a 30 minute standard medical dermatology consultation (e.g. acne, eczema, rosacea, pigmentation, mole checks, cosmetic concerns etc.). Hair patients can require more time, and therefore we book new hair patient consultations in for 45 minutes at a cost of £400. Follow up consultations are £225. Recommended treatments will be costed up and shared with the patient accordingly.