Interview transcription:
In an interview, Dr Penelope Pratsou explains what you should do if you have hair loss.
At what point should I be concerned that my hair loss is warranting a visit to a specialist?
Penelope Pratsou: I would say that if at any point you experience unexpected hair loss, the sooner you see someone, the better. That’s especially true for a large number of types of alopecia or hair loss. Some conditions might be self-limiting but the vast majority of conditions that I see, I wish I had seen slightly earlier.
How do I go about contacting a specialist? Do I need to go through my GP, or can I contact someone like you directly?
Penelope Pratsou: It’s never too soon really to pick up the phone. I will see patients that are referred by another specialist or another GP. I’m more than happy for you to pick up the phone and contact my secretary for an appointment. You can then come and see me so that we can discuss and assess your hair problems.
If you notice that you have any of the symptoms or conditions that we’ve just discussed, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Penelope Pratsou. She’ll be able to assess your situation and give you a personalised treatment plan.
About the author
Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist
MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)
I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.
I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.
After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.
Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.
