Scalp Conditions Treatment

in Lynchburg, VA

Scalp Conditions Treatment

in Lynchburg, VA

Woman having a bad hair day grimacing in disgust as she looks in the mirror and runs her hands through her hair

Conditions of the Scalp

Scalp conditions are irritation or disease of the skin on the head, excluding the face and neck. Scalp conditions refer to various different types of diseases of the skin on the scalp. In some cases, scalp conditions are due to issues with hygiene and the use of hair care products rather than being associated with skin diseases. Some symptoms that may indicate you have a scalp condition include:

  • Itchy scalp
  • Scalp pain and tenderness
  • Rash, pimples, blisters or boils
  • Hair loss

Scalp conditions are highly treatable after accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist. Your physician will know if the scalp conditions is localized, involving the skin and hair, or if the conditions is caused by a systemic (or internal) problem that may occur on other parts of the body.

Woman washes her hair with shampoo in bathroom. Woman washing her hair with a lot of foam inside a shower. Back view of young woman washing her hair.

Treatment of Scalp Conditions

As there are many causes of scalp conditions, there are also many treatments. A dermatologist will determine the cause of the scalp condition and prescribe the treatment that will be most effective in controlling it. In some cases, changing hair care or styling products will be all that is needed to restore the health of your scalp. Other treatments may include lifestyle modifications such as:

  • Washing hair daily or every other day
  • Using milder shampoos and conditioners such as baby shampoo
  • Use less or avoid hair styling products until condition is under control
  • Discontinue chemical applications such as hair dyes or permanents
  • Avoid wearing scarves or caps as they can exacerbate scalp conditions

Depending on the severity of the scalp condition, the dermatologist may prescribe a medicated shampoo, creams, ointments or oral medication to control the symptoms and restore the health of your scalp.

Hair Loss

It is normal to lose approximately 50-100 hairs a day. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss occurring in millions of men and women. Fortunately, hair loss can be stopped or treated successfully. If you are experiencing abnormal hair loss or hereditary hair loss, a dermatologist is the best place to start.  

Underlying medical conditions can also cause hair loss and may even be the first sign of a disease. Thyroid disease and anemia can contribute to loss of hair. Treating the disease, will stop the hair loss.

Poor nutrition and diet is another reason people experience hair loss. Weight loss of 15 or more pounds can trigger hair to fall out, however the hair will eventually regrow without treatment. Too much Vitamin A can cause hair loss as well as too little protein.

How Dermatologist Treat Hair Loss

The dermatologist will examine your scalp and hair and ask you a wide variety of questions regarding your health history that may provide clues as to why you are experiencing hair loss. An accurate diagnosis will ensure that the exact cause of your hair loss is being addressed. In some cases, changing hair products may be all you need to stop hair loss.

There are many treatments available to slow and/or restore hair loss. Over-the-counter medications such as minoxidil is generally a first-line treatment. Prescription medicine is available in pill form to treat hair loss in men.

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