Hair suddenly shedding more than usual, a skin condition that keeps flaring up, or weight that has become harder to manage can all leave you wondering where to start. A Google search turns up plenty of theories, but working out what is actually happening in your body is a different matter, and usually starts with a proper medical history rather than guesswork.
Telehealth has made that assessment easier to access. Holistica Health, an Australia-wide telehealth clinic founded by Dr Wes Abu-Jalala, GP, who has close to 20 years of clinical experience and postgraduate training in dermatology, connects patients with AHPRA-registered GPs seven days a week, with no referral required. Here is a look at three concerns its GPs regularly assess.
What Causes Sudden Hair Loss?
Hair loss can stem from hormonal changes, postpartum shedding, genetics, iron deficiency, thyroid issues, nutrition or stress, and several of these factors often overlap.
A GP assessing hair loss will typically review medical history, medications, recent pathology and scalp photographs, checking for factors such as iron deficiency, thyroid function, hormonal change or stress-related shedding. Conditions commonly assessed this way include postpartum shedding, female and male pattern hair loss and diffuse thinning.
From there, next steps might include further investigation, clinically appropriate treatment, ongoing monitoring or referral for an in-person assessment. Telehealth services such as Holistica Health can manage much of this online, without needing an in-person visit for the initial consultation.
How Does Medical Weight Management Actually Work?
Effective weight management goes beyond generic “eat less, move more” advice. It looks at previous attempts, medications, lifestyle, risk factors and personal goals, then builds an individualised plan rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
The consultation looks at the bigger health picture, and pathology testing may be recommended where clinically appropriate. Each patient then receives an individualised management plan with ongoing medical review. Any prescription treatment is only considered after assessing suitability, along with the potential risks and benefits, and doctor-led services such as Holistica Health follow this same process through telehealth.
When Should a Skin Concern Be Checked by a Doctor?
Persistent acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis or pigmentation changes are worth having assessed rather than self-treating indefinitely, and many can be reviewed through telehealth using clear photographs and a symptom history.
Patients can securely submit photographs before discussing symptoms and history with a GP, who then develops an individual management plan based on the assessment.
Telehealth is not right for every skin concern. If something requires a physical examination, dermoscopy, biopsy or specialist care, a GP should recommend the appropriate next step.
Why Telehealth Is Changing Access to Care for Families
For parents in the Sutherland Shire and across Australia, telehealth means starting the conversation without organising childcare, travelling to a clinic or waiting weeks for an appointment.
Appointments run seven days a week with no referral required, though a good telehealth GP still knows when a concern needs face-to-face assessment or specialist referral.
Hair loss, weight changes and skin concerns are common, but worth taking seriously. Understanding the possible causes is a useful first step, and a proper medical assessment, in person or via telehealth, is what turns that understanding into a plan.
Speak with Holistica Health
Holistica Health offers Australia-wide telehealth consultations for hair loss, medical weight management and skin concerns, with AHPRA-registered GPs available seven days a week and no referral required.
