VIDEO: Consider alopecia ‘camouflage kits’ to boost patients’ self-esteem

ORLANDO – The hair loss encounter – which can be challenging for both physicians and patients – should address the negative psychological effects of hair loss, including ways to camouflage hair loss, advised Adriana N. Schmidt, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, Calif.

Dermatologists may spend so much time on the work-up – reviewing history regarding medication, lab values, and hair care practices – that they do not spend time to simply say to patients, “I want to help you feel better about yourself, and here’s how,” she said in a video interview at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“What we can do is offer them a way to camouflage the hair loss,” Dr. Schmidt said. She shared tips that include creating a kit to keep in the office filled with lists of reputable hairpiece vendors and tattoo specialists in the community, as well as sample wigs, cosmetic powders, and other items to show to patients during hair loss consultations. She also offers thoughts on working with new hair styles and stylists to help improve the self-esteem of alopecia patients.

Dr. Schmidt had no relevant disclosures.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com
On Twitter @whitneymcknight

ORLANDO – The hair loss encounter – which can be challenging for both physicians and patients – should address the negative psychological effects of hair loss, including ways to camouflage hair loss, advised Adriana N. Schmidt, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, Calif.

Dermatologists may spend so much time on the work-up – reviewing history regarding medication, lab values, and hair care practices – that they do not spend time to simply say to patients, “I want to help you feel better about yourself, and here’s how,” she said in a video interview at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“What we can do is offer them a way to camouflage the hair loss,” Dr. Schmidt said. She shared tips that include creating a kit to keep in the office filled with lists of reputable hairpiece vendors and tattoo specialists in the community, as well as sample wigs, cosmetic powders, and other items to show to patients during hair loss consultations. She also offers thoughts on working with new hair styles and stylists to help improve the self-esteem of alopecia patients.

Dr. Schmidt had no relevant disclosures.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com
On Twitter @whitneymcknight

ORLANDO – The hair loss encounter – which can be challenging for both physicians and patients – should address the negative psychological effects of hair loss, including ways to camouflage hair loss, advised Adriana N. Schmidt, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, Calif.

Dermatologists may spend so much time on the work-up – reviewing history regarding medication, lab values, and hair care practices – that they do not spend time to simply say to patients, “I want to help you feel better about yourself, and here’s how,” she said in a video interview at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“What we can do is offer them a way to camouflage the hair loss,” Dr. Schmidt said. She shared tips that include creating a kit to keep in the office filled with lists of reputable hairpiece vendors and tattoo specialists in the community, as well as sample wigs, cosmetic powders, and other items to show to patients during hair loss consultations. She also offers thoughts on working with new hair styles and stylists to help improve the self-esteem of alopecia patients.

Dr. Schmidt had no relevant disclosures.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com
On Twitter @whitneymcknight