Hair, Scalp & Nail Disorders: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments by Dermatologists

1. Hair Disorders

Hair disorders affect the growth, texture, or health of hair. They can be temporary or permanent.

Common Hair Problems

    • Hair Loss (Alopecia):
      • Types: Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness), alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), telogen effluvium (stress-induced shedding).
      • Causes: Genetics, hormones, stress, illness, medications, poor diet.
      • Symptoms: Thinning hair, bald patches, sudden shedding.
      • Treatment:
        • Medications (Minoxidil, Finasteride)
        • PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
        • Low-level laser therapy
        • Hair transplant in severe cases
    • Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis):
      • Causes: Excess oil, fungus (Malassezia), stress, weather changes.
      • Symptoms: White/yellow flakes, itchy scalp, greasy skin.
      • Treatment:
        • Medicated shampoos (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide)
        • Topical antifungal or steroid lotions (for severe cases)
  • Hair Shaft Disorders (Texture Issues):
    • Causes: Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, genetic factors.
    • Symptoms: Fragile, brittle, or rough hair.
    • Treatment: Proper hair care routine, repairing treatments, avoiding harsh chemicals.

2. Scalp Disorders

Scalp conditions can cause itching, redness, pain, or scaling.

Common Scalp Conditions

    • Psoriasis:
      • Cause: Autoimmune condition leading to rapid skin cell turnover.
      • Symptoms: Thick silvery-white scales, itching, redness.
      • Treatment: Medicated shampoos, steroid lotions, phototherapy, biologics.
    • Fungal Infections (Tinea Capitis / Ringworm):
      • Cause: Fungal infection of the scalp.
      • Symptoms: Patchy hair loss, scaly/itchy scalp, broken hairs.
      • Treatment: Oral antifungals (Griseofulvin, Terbinafine), antifungal shampoos.
  • Folliculitis:
    • Cause: Bacterial or fungal infection of hair follicles.
    • Symptoms: Red bumps, pustules, itching, pain.
    • Treatment: Antibiotics or antifungal creams, proper scalp hygiene.
Anoint,With,Cream,,Ointment,,Medicine,Forehead,,Hair,Line,,Scalp,With

3. Nail Disorders

Nails reflect both local and systemic health. Common Nail Problems
  • Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis):
    • Causes: Dermatophytes, yeast, mold.
    • Symptoms: Thick, brittle, discolored nails.
    • Treatment: Oral antifungals (Terbinafine, Itraconazole), medicated nail lacquers.
  • Psoriasis of Nails:
    • Symptoms: Pitting, ridging, discoloration, nail lifting.
    • Treatment: Topical steroids, vitamin D creams, biologics (in severe psoriasis).
  • Ingrown Toenail:
    • Cause: Nail grows into skin due to improper trimming or tight footwear.
    • Symptoms: Pain, redness, swelling, infection.
    • Treatment: Warm soaks, antibiotics, minor surgical removal if severe.
  • Brittle Nails:
    • Causes: Nutritional deficiency, aging, frequent exposure to water/chemicals.
    • Treatment: Moisturizing creams, biotin supplements, avoiding harsh chemicals.

4. How Dermatologists Treat These Disorders


Dermatologists are specialists in skin, hair, and nails. Their approach includes:

  1. Diagnosis: Clinical examination, dermoscopy, blood tests, scalp biopsy (if needed). 
  2. Medical Treatment: Prescription shampoos, topical/oral medications, antifungals, antibiotics, steroids, biologics. 
  3. Procedures:
    • PRP therapy for hair loss
    • Laser treatments for scalp/nail disorders
    • Minor surgeries (ingrown nail removal, cyst removal)
    • Hair transplant (for permanent baldness) 

4.Lifestyle Guidance: Proper diet, stress management, hair/nail care practices.

✅ Summary:

  • Hair disorders include hair loss, dandruff, brittle hair.
  • Scalp disorders include psoriasis, fungal infections, folliculitis.
  • Nail disorders include fungal infections, psoriasis, ingrown nails, brittle nails.
  • A dermatologist provides accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments such as medicines, medicated shampoos, therapies, or procedures.

Contact Us


Locate Us

  • New Rajinder Nagar - Pocket F-255, Ground Floor, Rajender Nagar, Central Delhi-110060
  • 08929280230
Scroll to Top