Why Is My Hair Shedding So Much? | Carabella Dermatology, Carmel IN
Noticing more hair in the shower or on your brush? Shedding can be a sign of stress, nutritional changes, thyroid imbalance, or even rapid weight loss. Dr. Katherine Nolan, MD FAAD, shares expert insight on common causes of hair shedding and modern treatments available at Carabella Dermatology in Carmel, IN
When You Notice More Hair in the Shower
It’s normal to shed 50–100 hairs per day — but if you’re seeing more in the drain or on your pillow, it’s time to look deeper.
Excessive shedding, or telogen effluvium, is one of the most common concerns I see at Carabella Dermatology.
It often appears two to three months after a trigger, which means the cause can be easy to miss.
Common Medical and Metabolic Causes
Healthy hair growth depends on your overall health. I often begin with a focused lab workup that includes:
Ferritin (iron stores): Low ferritin can cause diffuse shedding even when iron levels look “normal.”
Thyroid (TSH, free T4): Both overactive and underactive thyroids can lead to shedding and thinning.
Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels are common in Indiana winters and may contribute to weak or slow regrowth.
If you’ve experienced rapid weight loss, dietary changes, or fatigue, these labs help identify the root cause.
Recent Triggers We’re Seeing More Often
GLP-1 medications (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®): Rapid weight loss and nutritional shifts can push hair into the shedding phase.
COVID-19 infection or illness: Post-viral shedding typically appears two to three months after recovery and can last several months.
Postpartum changes: Hormone levels drop sharply after delivery, often leading to temporary shedding.
Emotional or physical stress: Surgery, high fevers, or major life changes can all cause a reset in the hair-growth cycle.
The good news — in most cases, shedding is temporary once balance is restored.
Treatment Options at Carabella Dermatology
At Carabella Dermatology, we address both the why and the how — combining medical insight with personalized treatment.
Depending on your diagnosis and goals, we may recommend:
Targeted lab evaluation to identify nutritional or hormonal imbalances
Scalp injections to stimulate regrowth and improve density
Topical medications such as prescription minoxidil or compounded serums
Low-dose oral minoxidil for diffuse or stress-related shedding (carefully monitored for safety)
Nutritional optimization and gentle hair-care routines
Every plan is customized — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to restoring healthy, confident hair.
The Takeaway
If you’ve noticed increased shedding, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.
Hair loss is often a signal from your body, and with the right evaluation and guidance, regrowth is absolutely possible.
Schedule a Hair and Scalp Consultation
At Carabella Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana, we offer comprehensive, direct-pay visits without the insurance hassle — including advanced hair-restoration options for women and men.
Book online or text 317-778-5030 to schedule your visit.
Let’s help your hair (and your confidence) thrive again.
Winter Skin SOS: Why Your Skin Feels So Dry — and How to Fix It
It all begins with an idea.
By Dr. Katherine Nolan, MD FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist • Founder of Carabella Dermatology
When Cold Weather Strikes, Your Skin Feels It
Each winter in Indiana, humidity drops, indoor heat rises, and the result is the same—tight, flaky, uncomfortable skin. As a dermatologist, I see a surge in patients struggling with dryness, itching, and sensitivity as soon as temperatures dip. The good news: with a few targeted changes, you can restore your skin’s barrier and glow even through the coldest months.
Why Winter Dries Out the Skin
Several factors combine to strip moisture this time of year:
Low humidity: Cold air holds less water, pulling moisture out of the top layer of skin.
Indoor heating: Forced-air systems dehydrate the environment even further.
Long, hot showers: They feel good but wash away your natural protective oils.
Harsh cleansers or exfoliants: Over-cleansing can weaken your skin barrier.
When the barrier is compromised, tiny cracks form, leading to irritation, redness, and that uncomfortable “tight” feeling.
Key Ingredients That Restore Hydration
Look for products rich in barrier-building and water-binding ingredients:
Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin
Petrolatum to lock it in
Some of my favorite over-the-counter lines include CeraVe, Vanicream, and Bioderma products. Apply moisturizer within 60 seconds after showering to seal in hydration.
Simple Habit Changes That Make a Difference
Take short, lukewarm showers instead of long, hot ones.
Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser or even a creamy wash.
Add a humidifier to your bedroom or workspace to maintain moisture in the air.
Switch to a thicker cream or ointment at night rather than a lotion.
Protect your hands—frequent washing and hand sanitizer can worsen cracks and eczema.
These small adjustments help your moisturizer actually work.
When Dry Skin Becomes a Medical Issue
If your skin develops persistent redness, flaking, or burning, you may be dealing with eczema or another inflammatory condition. At Carabella Dermatology, I offer personalized treatment plans, including prescription barrier-repair creams, short-course topical steroids or non-steroidal options, and soothing in-office therapies for stubborn winter eczema.
The Carabella Approach
At Carabella Dermatology, my goal is to simplify skincare while delivering real, physician-level results. Whether your concern is seasonal dryness, eczema, or overall barrier repair, we focus on evidence-based treatments, transparent pricing, and same-day access—without insurance hurdles.
Schedule a Visit
Ready to restore soft, healthy skin this winter?
Book your personalized dermatology visit at Carabella Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana.
Book online or text 317-778-5030 to schedule.
Carabella Dermatology
Medical • Cosmetic • Hair • Pediatrics
Dr. Katherine Nolan, MD FAAD — Board-Certified Dermatologist
Carmel, Indiana | www.carabelladermatology.com
Kids’ Eczema and Winter Skin: A Dermatologist Mom’s Guide
It all begins with an idea.
By Dr. Katherine Nolan, MD FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist • Founder of Carabella Dermatology
When Dry Weather Meets Sensitive Skin
Cold, dry Indiana winters can be tough on little ones’ skin — and I know this personally.
Both of my daughters have eczema, and every year when the heat turns on, their skin starts to itch and flare. Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping kids comfortable requires a mix of science, gentle care, and a few creative tricks to make it fun.
Why Eczema Flares in Winter
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, itchy condition where the skin barrier is weaker than normal.
During winter, humidity drops and indoor heating dries the air, allowing water to escape from the skin more easily.
Other common triggers include:
Harsh soaps or bubble baths
Fragrance or dye in laundry detergent
Hot baths and scratchy fabrics
Seasonal allergies, illness, or stress
When the barrier breaks down, the skin becomes red, rough, and itchy — and kids start scratching, which only makes things worse.
Sensitive-Skin Essentials
Gentle, fragrance-free care makes all the difference. In our house and my practice, I recommend:
Cleansers: Dove Sensitive Skin Bar
Moisturizers: CeraVe Healing Ointment, Vaseline, or Vaniply
Laundry care: All Free & Clear or Free & Gentle detergents — skip dryer sheets and fabric softeners
Shampoo: Free & Clear Shampoo or Dove Sensitive Scalp
Bathing: quick, lukewarm showers, not long hot ones
Apply moisturizer within one minute of towel-drying to seal in water.
Natural and Supportive Options
Some families are interested in gentle, complementary options that can help support the skin barrier:
Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) may help balance the immune system.
Beef tallow-based balms can be soothing for certain dry spots — just ensure they’re pure and unscented.
Vitamin D levels often drop in winter; talk with your pediatrician or dermatologist about supplementation.
Natural sunlight in moderation can calm inflammation for some children. Always pair with safe sun habits.
Fabrics and Fun Therapy at Home
Dress kids in soft cotton layers and avoid wool or rough seams.
Try wet-pajama therapy on bad nights: after bathing and applying ointment, slip on damp cotton pajamas under a dry pair. It helps lock in moisture and calm itch.
To make it fun, let kids decorate small jars of ointment with stickers or labels — giving them “their own cream” helps them feel in control and more willing to participate.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your child’s eczema is spreading, keeping them up at night, or not improving with gentle care, prescription options can bring relief.
At Carabella Dermatology, I create customized pediatric plans — from soothing topical treatments to non-steroidal creams and barrier repair therapies — all in a calm, family-friendly environment.
Helping Little Ones Feel Comfortable Again
Eczema can be challenging, but with the right daily routine and medical guidance, flare-ups can become far less frequent. Consistency and gentle care go a long way toward restoring healthy, happy skin.
Schedule a Pediatric Skin Visit
Carabella Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana offers flexible after-school and weekend appointments for busy parents.
Book online or text 317-778-5030 to schedule your visit.
Carabella Dermatology
Medical • Cosmetic • Hair • Pediatrics
Dr. Katherine Nolan, MD FAAD — Board-Certified Dermatologist
Carmel, Indiana | www.carabelladermatology.com
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.