"The number of patients seeking treatment for hair loss is increasing and becoming younger," said doctor Vu Thai Ha, head of the Department of Research and Application of Stem Cell Technology at Trung uong Hospital of Dermatology, at the National Dermatology Conference on 14/11.
According to doctor Ha, the hospital receives around 100 people daily for hair loss examinations, double the number from a decade ago. Among these, 5 to 10 cases involve alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease. The hospital currently manages nearly 1,000 patients with this condition, and many cases are severe. For example, a 7-year-old girl recently completed successful treatment after losing all her hair. Six months prior, her family noticed her hair falling out in oval patches, measuring 4-6 cm. Despite seeking treatment at various places, her condition worsened, progressing to complete scalp hair loss, which caused the child to experience depression and reluctance to socialize.
The girl regrew her hair after treatment. Photo: Hospital provided |
At Trung uong Hospital of Dermatology, doctors diagnosed this as alopecia totalis—a severe form of alopecia areata. After a consultation, the child received oral Janus kinase inhibitor medication, which yielded positive results. Fine hair gradually regrew and now covers her entire scalp, with strong hair roots.
Beyond children, many young adults also consult doctors for thinning hair and early baldness. A 20-year-old man from Hanoi sought treatment for M-shaped baldness on his forehead. The patient reported that his hair fell out in clumps every time he washed it, but he had dismissed it. He is now using medication combined with other therapies to slow the hair loss process and stimulate regrowth.
Doctor Ha explained that hair loss has multiple causes. In addition to genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders (thyroid), and prolonged stress are also contributors. For young people, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as staying up late, imbalanced nutrition, and excessive use of chemicals and high heat during hair treatments also cause hair breakage and damage.
Doctors advise adopting a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals and maintaining a relaxed state of mind to prevent hair loss. If experiencing unusual hair loss, individuals should consult a specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment advice, rather than self-administering products of unknown origin.
The National Dermatology Conference 2025 serves as a platform for domestic and international experts to exchange expertise and update on advancements in laser, stem cells, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence in dermatological examination, treatment, and aesthetics. During this event, Trung uong Hospital of Dermatology signed a professional cooperation agreement with the Khmer – Soviet Friendship Hospital (Cambodia).
Le Nga
