Trichologists and dermatologists are both medical professionals who can help with hair and scalp issues, but there are some differences between the two. Here are some key points to consider:
Trichologists:
- Focus solely on the hair and scalp, and are not medical doctors.
- Prescribe medication such as antifungal creams.
- Often work out of a setting like a scalp clinic, where theyll address your full hair history.
- Take a holistic approach to solving the problem and not just treating the symptoms.
Dermatologists:
- Are medical doctors who are trained to evaluate and manage patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes.
- Treat skin in general, but may also study trichology.
- Are more likely to perform surgical procedures like hair transplantation and low-level laser therapy.
- May not always carry out a thorough examination of the scalp, while a trichologist will obtain a full hair history and check the scalp for lesions, pimples, signs of inflammation, damaged hair follicles and also use a microscope to further analyze the scalp’s health.
When it comes to hair care products, there are many options available, including shampoos, conditioners, hair straightening products, hair dyes, and henna. Dermatologists should be knowledgeable about these products, as they can affect the health of the hair and scalp. For example, shampoos and conditioners can have a negative charge that attracts to the positively charged hair, which can lead to buildup and damage.
In summary, whether you should see a trichologist or a dermatologist depends on the nature of your hair and scalp issue. Trichologists focus solely on the hair and scalp and take a holistic approach to solving the problem, while dermatologists are medical doctors who treat skin in general but may also study trichology. Both can be a great source of support by helping you get an accurate diagnosis and the treatment you need.
