SCALP AND HAIR

Although male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men, hair thinning and hair loss is a common problem that can affect both men and women at any point during life. Hair loss can be hereditary and affects nearly 80 million men and women in the United States. There are three main types of hair loss including:

• Male pattern baldness
• Female pattern baldness
• Androgenic alopecia

Although there is no cure for hair loss, Complexions Dermatology offers a wide range of treatment options to help slow or stop the progression. If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, call Complexions Dermatology today at our Danville location (434) 792-0423 or our Colonial Heights location (804) 805-8442.

The most common cause of hair loss is heredity. People lose hair for other reasons as well such as:

• Thyroid disease
• Anemia
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal changes like during the postpartum period and menopause
• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
• Stress
• Viral illnesses
• Hair extensions or any hairstyle that may pull the hair too tightly on the scalp causing the hair follicles to become inflamed
• Certain prescription medications
• Allergies
• Autoimmune diseases

Hair loss can be gradual over time or happen suddenly. Some hair loss may be temporary, such as with thyroid disease, and treating the illness can stabilize the hair loss. Other types of hair loss may be permanent. Some signs of hair loss include:

• Bald spots or patchy hair loss
• Gradual thinning over time which occurs in men and women as they age
• Patches of scaly skin on the scalp which may be caused by ringworm or a fungus and can be successfully treated
• Total hair loss of all body hair as seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Sudden loose hair can occur as a result of emotional stress

At Complexions Dermatology, we will thoroughly examine your scalp and hair, and discuss your health history and family health history to determine the root cause of your hair loss. Once we know the root cause, we can provide a treatment plan to address your hair loss by slowing or stopping the progression. If it is unclear what may be causing the hair loss, we can offer blood tests and/or remove a small sample of tissue from the scalp and hair to rule out any infections or fungus that may be causing loss of hair.

Determining the root cause of your hair loss is critical when planning which treatment options will garner the most benefits. There are many treatment options available and our goal at Complexions Dermatology is to listen to your concerns and prescribe the treatment that is best for you. There are over-the-counter medications, like minoxidil, that can slow the progression of hair loss, and we may recommend starting there.

If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning and have questions or concerns, Complexions Dermatology can help. Request an appointment online or call us today at our Danville location (434) 792-0423 or our Colonial Heights location (804) 805-8442.

Many people may experience itching or irritation on the scalp, which can be caused by a myriad of scalp conditions. The majority of scalp conditions are manageable; however, if left untreated, some conditions can have a negative impact on your self-confidence and quality of life. Most conditions of the scalp can be treated successfully with topical or medicated shampoos. The most common scalp conditions are:

• Folliculitis – is a condition in which the hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected. This may be a result of shaving and will usually resolve on its own.
• Tinea capitis – are flaky, itchy patches of skin caused by a fungal infection and can lead to hair loss or scalp pain.
• Dandruff – a build-up of dead skin cells on the scalp, which become dry and flake off. Dandruff is treatable and manageable with over-the-counter shampoos.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis – is a condition that causes red, oily, crusty scales on the scalp and is often associated with oily skin, acne or psoriasis.
• Ringworm – a fungal infection that causes round, scaly, raised, red patches of skin and sometimes hair loss on the scalp. Ringworm is contagious; however, it is treatable.
• Psoriasis – the plaques associated with psoriasis can often form on the scalp causing itchy, red patches of skin with crusted scales. Psoriasis on the scalp can be managed with special shampoos.

If you are experiencing any issues with your scalp and hair especially itching, irritation or hair loss, call us today at our Danville location (434) 792-0423 or our Colonial Heights location (804) 805-8442. We will examine your scalp and recommend a treatment plan to help combat the symptoms of your unique scalp condition.