Trichology - The Unknown Profession

The IAT administers the certification course developed by the University of Southern California. The IAT was established in 1974 and is a non-profit organisation promoting the study, research and practice of hair and scalp health and disease. The International Association of Trichology also establishes standards, certifies students and publishes educational material. Qualified Trichologists will have the initials IAT after their name and are bound by a strict code of ethics. They are required to maintain their knowledge by conducting ongoing research, study and to attend conferences.
In addition to completing the course, clinical training must be undertaken under the supervision of an IAT-approved trichologist. Students can presently undertake clinical training in Sydney (Australia),, India, Sao Paulo (Brazil), the U.S.A. and Manchester (U.K.)
A consultation with a Trichologist will begin with an in-depth questionnaire. This will ask questions about your medical history, family history, and nutrition and lifestyle choices. The Trichologist will physically examine your hair and scalp and may take samples. These samples will be examined under a microscope or sent away for a mineral analysis.
The microscopic examination can help to determine:

1. If the rate of hair loss is excessive.
2. If there is inflammation and redness around the follicles.
3. Detect if there is new hair growth.
4. Examine any structural damage to the hair shaft.
5. Determine the presence of inherited hair conditions.
6. If head lice or a fungal infection is present.

Once a cause has been established, a treatment plan will be recommended. It needs to be noted that due to our individuality, results from treatments will differ from patient to patient and a multi therapy approach is the most successful. Treatments need to be strictly adhered to for at least 3-6 months before assessing the success of the treatment. As hair growth is a slow process, photos will be taken to record the changes in your hair and/or scalp as treatment progresses. In some cases you may be referred onto your family doctor or a dermatologist for further treatment and/or blood tests.
Trichologist have a special interest in nutrition and its role in hair and scalp conditions.They also pay a close detail to the endocrine, immune, nervous, and circulatory and digestive systems, as these all play a part in the health of your hair and scalp.
Trichologists work closely with GPs and Dermatologists to help diagnose the cause.
To resolve hair loss, a correct diagnosis is required. Only qualified Trichologists and Dermatologists are able to determine the correct diagnosis and recommend the suitable treatment.

Posted in: Hair Loss