About Hair and Scalp Disorder Treatment Services:
Losing hair is stressful, and the internet is full of products that promise everything and diagnose nothing. At Charleston Dermatology, our physicians and providers evaluate hair loss and scalp symptoms with a careful history, scalp examination, and when needed, blood work or a scalp biopsy.
Androgenetic (pattern) hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and scarring alopecias all look different under a trained eye, and they’re treated very differently. Treatment plans are built around your diagnosis, not a one-size-fits-all routine.
Treatment may include prescription topical or oral medications, in-office injections, medicated shampoos for inflammatory scalp conditions, and guidance on what actually helps versus what wastes your money. Answers start with the right diagnosis. Schedule a visit and let our team build a plan that actually works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of hair loss?
The most common is androgenetic alopecia — male- or female-pattern hair loss driven by genetics and hormones. Other frequent causes include telogen effluvium (shedding triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal shifts), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing round bald patches), and scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
When should I see a dermatologist about hair loss?
Sooner is better. Some types of hair loss, particularly scarring alopecias, cause permanent follicle damage that treatment can halt but not reverse. If you’re noticing increased shedding, widening part lines, bald patches, or scalp itching, burning, or flaking, an evaluation can identify the cause while more options are still on the table.
How are hair and scalp disorders treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. Pattern hair loss may respond to topical or oral medications, alopecia areata is often treated with injections or newer oral therapies, shedding from telogen effluvium usually improves once the trigger resolves, and inflammatory scalp conditions respond to medicated shampoos and prescription topicals. Consistency matters — most hair treatments take three to six months to show results.