Hair & Nail Disorders
Targeted Treatments for Healthier Hair, Scalp, and Nails
Hair, scalp, and nail issues do more than affect your appearance—they can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life. At Total Dermatology, our board-certified providers specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hair loss, scalp conditions, and nail disorders. With a focus on identifying the root cause, we work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and your goals.
Nail Disorders
What Causes Nail Problems?
Nail disorders come in many forms and can be linked to infections, underlying skin or systemic diseases, trauma, or even cosmetic practices. Common causes include:
- Texture changes (brittle, pitted, or ridged nails)
- Color changes (white spots, dark streaks, or yellowing)
- Thickened nails or nails separating from the nail bed
- Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
- Nail involvement in skin diseases (like psoriasis, lichen planus, or alopecia areata)
- Benign or malignant tumors affecting the nail unit
- Nail damage from gel polish or acrylics
Nail Treatment Options
Treatment is customized based on the underlying cause. This may involve:
- Topical or oral antifungal or antibacterial medications
- Anti-inflammatory treatment for associated skin conditions
- Nail-strengthening regimens
- Cosmetic or lifestyle modifications to prevent further damage
- Coordination with other specialists for systemic conditions
Hair Loss & Hair Disorders
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Hair disorders are generally classified into three categories: non-scarring hair loss, scarring hair loss, and structural hair abnormalities.
- Non-scarring hair loss includes:
- Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium (temporary shedding after stress, illness, or childbirth)
- Alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss in patches)
- Hair loss linked to thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, or other systemic issues
- Scarring hair loss includes:
- Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA)
- Lichen planopilaris
- Discoid lupus
- Long-term traction alopecia
Structural hair disorders may be inherited or acquired and lead to brittle, fragile hair that breaks easily.
Hair Loss Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis, but common therapies include:
- Topical or oral minoxidil
- Finasteride or dutasteride (for hormone-related hair loss)
- Vitamin, iron, or folate supplementation
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for hair restoration
- Topical or injectable corticosteroids for inflammatory scalp diseases
- Systemic anti-inflammatory medications for scarring alopecias
We’ll work with you to determine the best course of action for healthy hair regrowth and prevention of further loss.
Scalp Disorders
Types & Causes of Scalp Issues
Scalp disorders can be caused by infection, inflammation, or chronic skin conditions. Common issues include:
- Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff or flaking, often due to yeast overgrowth)
- Tinea capitis (fungal scalp infection, often in children)
- Folliculitis (inflammation or infection of hair follicles)
- Psoriasis or eczema involving the scalp
Scalp Treatment Options
Scalp treatments are tailored to the underlying condition and may include:
- Antifungal shampoos like ketoconazole for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis
- Topical or oral antibiotics for folliculitis
- Oral antifungals for tinea capitis
- Topical steroids or systemic therapies for psoriasis or eczema
Personalized Dermatology for Hair, Scalp & Nails
At Total Dermatology, we take a whole-person approach to hair, scalp, and nail health—working to uncover what’s behind the symptoms and build a treatment plan that’s effective, sustainable, and tailored to you.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, brittle nails, or a scalp condition, schedule a consultation today. Our dermatology team is here to help you find answers—and relief.