What Is Hair &
Scalp Dermatology?
Hair and scalp
dermatology is a specialized area of dermatology focused on:
- Hair loss and thinning.
- Scalp inflammation.
- Scalp infections.
- Hair-follicle disorders.
- Alopecia.
- Excessive shedding.
- Changes in hair density or
texture.
- Scarring conditions affecting
the scalp.
A dermatologist
may assess the scalp and hair pattern, examine individual follicles and, when
necessary, request laboratory tests or other investigations to identify the
cause of hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can
result from many different conditions.
Common causes
include:
Androgenetic Alopecia
Also known as
pattern hair loss, it is one of the most common causes of progressive hair
thinning in both men and women.
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune
condition that can cause sudden, patchy hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium
A temporary
increase in shedding that can occur after illness, significant stress, major
weight loss, hormonal changes or other physical triggers.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies
involving certain nutrients may contribute to hair shedding in some patients.
Hormonal Changes
Thyroid
disorders and other hormonal changes can affect hair growth.
Inflammatory or Scalp Conditions
Some
inflammatory, infectious or scarring scalp disorders can damage hair follicles
and require specialist treatment.
Types of Alopecia
Non-Scarring Alopecia
In non-scarring
forms of hair loss, the hair follicle remains structurally preserved, meaning
regrowth may be possible depending on the cause.
Examples
include:
- Androgenetic alopecia.
- Alopecia areata.
- Telogen effluvium.
Scarring Alopecia
In scarring
alopecia, inflammation or other processes can permanently damage hair follicles
and replace them with scar tissue.
Early diagnosis
and treatment are particularly important in these conditions.
What Is Alopecia
Therapy?
Alopecia
therapy refers to
medical treatment selected according to the underlying cause of hair loss.
Depending on
the diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Topical medications.
- Oral medications.
- Anti-inflammatory treatments.
- Hormonal management when
appropriate.
- Treatment of nutritional
deficiencies.
- Phototherapy or other
specialist treatments in selected cases.
- PRP or other adjunctive
procedures.
- Hair transplantation when
appropriate and medically suitable.
The treatment
plan should be individualized rather than based solely on the appearance of
hair loss.
What Is Scalp PRP?
Scalp PRP
(Platelet-Rich Plasma)
is an autologous treatment that uses a patient's own blood.
A small blood
sample is collected and processed to obtain plasma with a concentrated platelet
component. This preparation is then injected into selected areas of the scalp.
PRP is used as
an adjunctive treatment for certain types of hair loss, particularly
some forms of pattern hair loss.
The aim is to
support the local tissue environment and hair follicle activity.
Response varies
between patients, and PRP should not be considered a universal treatment for
every type of alopecia.
What Is Hair
Mesotherapy?
Scalp mesotherapy involves a series of small injections into the
superficial scalp using a selected solution.
The exact
ingredients vary according to the treatment protocol and clinic. Depending on
the formulation, products may contain combinations of vitamins, amino acids,
minerals or other substances.
Because
mesotherapy formulations are not standardized in the same way across all
clinics, patients should ask which specific product is being used and what
evidence supports its intended indication.
Who Is a Good
Candidate?
Hair and scalp
treatments may be suitable for patients who:
- Have unexplained hair shedding
or progressive thinning.
- Have a diagnosed form of
alopecia.
- Want to improve hair density or
scalp health.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Are medically appropriate for
the selected treatment.
Patients with
sudden, severe or rapidly progressive hair loss should be evaluated medically
before undergoing cosmetic hair treatments.
How Is Treatment
Performed?
Treatment
depends on the diagnosis.
Dermatological Assessment
The specialist
may:
1.
Review the medical history.
2.
Examine the scalp and hair pattern.
3.
Assess hair density and follicular changes.
4.
Perform dermoscopic examination when
appropriate.
5.
Request blood tests or other investigations
when indicated.
6.
Establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Scalp PRP
A typical
session may include:
1.
Blood collection.
2.
Processing of the blood sample.
3.
Preparation of the PRP.
4.
Cleansing of the scalp.
5.
Injection of PRP into selected areas.
6.
Post-treatment instructions.
Scalp Mesotherapy
A typical
session may involve:
1.
Scalp assessment and preparation.
2.
Cleansing of the treatment area.
3.
Multiple small superficial injections.
4.
Application of appropriate post-treatment care.
Preparation Before
Treatment
The specialist
may review:
- Type and duration of hair loss.
- Medical history.
- Current medications and
supplements.
- Scalp conditions.
- Previous hair treatments.
- Nutritional or hormonal
concerns.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding when
relevant.
Depending on
the suspected cause, laboratory testing may be recommended before treatment.
Recovery and Aftercare
PRP and
mesotherapy usually involve limited downtime.
Temporary
effects may include:
- Mild scalp tenderness.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Small injection-site bumps.
- Mild bruising.
- Temporary sensitivity.
Patients may be
advised to keep the scalp clean, avoid excessive heat or strenuous exercise for
a short period and follow the specialist's specific aftercare instructions.
When Will Results Be
Visible?
Hair growth is
a gradual biological process, so results are not immediate.
Depending on
the diagnosis and treatment:
- Reduction in excessive shedding
may take time.
- Improvements in hair density
can require several months.
- PRP and mesotherapy may need
repeated sessions.
- Medical treatments for
underlying alopecia often require ongoing use.
Results vary
significantly between patients.
How Many Sessions Are
Needed?
The number of
sessions depends on:
- Type of hair loss.
- Severity.
- Treatment method.
- Individual response.
- Treatment goals.
PRP and
mesotherapy are often performed as a series of sessions, followed by
maintenance treatments when clinically appropriate.
A dermatologist
should determine the treatment schedule rather than using a standardized
protocol for every patient.
Possible Risks and Side
Effects
Potential
effects of scalp injections include:
- Pain or tenderness.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Temporary itching.
- Infection.
- Inflammation at injection
sites.
- Allergic or inflammatory
reactions to the injected product in mesotherapy.
PRP uses the
patient's own blood product, which may reduce the risk of certain immune
reactions, but it does not eliminate all procedural risks.
The risks of
alopecia treatment also depend on the medications or other therapies used.
A Message to Our
Patients
Hair and scalp
dermatology provides a
comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing hair loss and scalp
disorders.
Because
different types of alopecia require different treatments, accurate diagnosis is
essential before beginning therapy.
Depending on
the underlying condition, treatment may include medical alopecia therapy,
scalp PRP, mesotherapy, topical or oral medications and, in selected cases,
hair transplantation.
Our dermatology
specialists assess each patient individually and develop a personalized plan
focused on the cause of hair loss, scalp health and long-term hair
preservation.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is hair and scalp dermatology?
It is a
specialized area of dermatology focused on diagnosing and treating hair loss,
scalp diseases and disorders affecting hair follicles.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can
result from genetics, hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, stress,
nutritional deficiencies, medications and inflammatory or scarring scalp
diseases.
What is alopecia therapy?
Alopecia
therapy is medical treatment selected according to the specific cause and type
of hair loss. It may include topical or oral medications, anti-inflammatory
treatment, PRP and other therapies.
What is scalp PRP?
PRP is a
treatment using a concentrated platelet preparation made from the patient's own
blood and injected into selected areas of the scalp.
Does PRP work for all types of hair loss?
No. PRP may be
considered for selected types of hair loss, but it is not appropriate or effective
for every form of alopecia.
What is hair mesotherapy?
Hair
mesotherapy involves multiple small injections into the scalp using a selected
solution. The ingredients and treatment protocols can vary considerably.
Is mesotherapy a standardized treatment?
No. Mesotherapy
formulations and protocols can differ significantly. Patients should ask which
product is being used and discuss its evidence and suitability with a qualified
professional.
How many PRP sessions are needed?
The number
varies according to the diagnosis, severity and individual response. A
dermatologist should establish the treatment schedule.
When will I see results?
Hair growth
takes time. Improvements in shedding and density generally develop over several
months rather than immediately.
Is PRP painful?
Most patients
experience some brief discomfort or tenderness during scalp injections. The
level varies between individuals.
Can PRP and mesotherapy be combined with other
treatments?
Yes. They may
be included in a broader hair-loss treatment plan alongside appropriate medical
therapy. The combination should be individually assessed.
Can women receive PRP or mesotherapy for hair
loss?
Yes. Women may
be candidates depending on the cause and type of hair loss and their overall
medical condition.
When should I see a dermatologist for hair
loss?
A dermatology
evaluation is especially important when hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy,
rapidly progressive, associated with scalp inflammation or pain, or accompanied
by other unexplained symptoms.