Alopecia Specialist

Catherine Y. Ding, MD -  - Dermatologist

City Derm NYC

Catherine Y. Ding, MD

Dermatologist located in Chinatown, New York, NY & Flushing, NY

Hair loss is a concern for many men and women. Catherine Ding, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of City Derm NYC in New York City’s Chinatown, as well as Flushing, New York. She’s passionate about providing the care her patients require, which includes solutions for hair loss. She focuses on what’s causing your hair loss and then designs a treatment plan that includes innovative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments to help restore lost hair naturally. Call for an appointment today or book your visit online.

Alopecia Q & A

When should I worry about hair loss?

It’s normal to lose about 100 hairs every day, which is a very small percentage of all the hair on your head. But if you notice patches of thinning hair on your scalp or an increase in the amount of falling hair in the shower or collecting in your brush, it may be time to see a dermatologist.

Dermatologists are specialists who treat conditions that affect your hair, skin, and nails. Millions of people across the United States experience hair loss (alopecia) for a variety of reasons. Hair care experts like board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ding can uncover the cause of your hair loss and design a treatment strategy that can help prevent future loss and restore hair’s fullness.

What causes hair loss?

Among the many reasons for hair loss are health conditions such as:

  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Stress
  • Autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosus
  • Fungal and other infectious conditions

Hormonal imbalance related to childbirth or menopause can also cause thinning of the hair on your scalp. Weight loss of more than 15 pounds, poor nutrition, and some medications can also lead to hair loss. Alopecia may also be due to hereditary factors.

Products you use on your hair and frequent use of blow-dryers can also create dry and brittle hair that’s more susceptible to loss. Also, hairstyles that pull on your hair, such as tight ponytails and braids, can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia.

What is the treatment for alopecia?

A wide variety of treatment options exist for hair loss. The best strategy for you depends on the cause. Dr. Ding may recommend:

  • Minoxidil, a topical medication that’s designed to stimulate hair growth
  • Oral finasteride for men to help slow hair loss and stimulate new growth
  • Oral supplements
  • Laser light therapy to stimulate new hair growth
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to enhance your body’s natural ability to regrow hair

You can also expect detailed discussions about how to care for your hair and recommendations for products and styling techniques that protect rather than damage hair.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Ding today at City Derm NYC. Call the office or book your appointment online.