Hair and scalp care

Scalp disorders can affect the skin on your scalp or your hair follicles. If you notice worsening dandruff, scalp redness, or symptoms such as itch, burning, or tenderness, it could be a sign of a condition that needs medical attention. These problems could have many causes including infection, genetics, diet, or other health issues. Getting the right care early can make a big difference and even save your hair. A dermatologist who specializes in hair and scalp health can help you find answers and the best treatment for your condition.

Penn Dermatology hair and scalp specialists diagnose and treat many conditions, including hair loss, infections, and inflammatory conditions. We start with a thorough exam and, if needed, may do a scalp biopsy, nutritional assessment, and hormonal assessment to understand the cause. Because everyone is different, we create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might include changes to your scalp and hair care routine, vitamin supplementations, pharmacologic therapies, or certain procedures.

When it comes to your hair and scalp, you want the best care possible. As the nation’s first department of dermatology, Penn Dermatology has always been a leader in skin care. We’re consistently ranked among the top dermatology departments in the country because of our research, patient care, and training. Our dermatologists are often noted by publications such as Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Docs™, Best Doctors in America, and America’s Top Doctors for their outstanding patient care and expertise in treating diseases of the hair and scalp.

The Penn Center for Hair Loss was formed to advance research, patient care, and education, since many dermatologists do not treat hair loss. We are experienced in numerous treatments for hair loss and have advanced photographic technology to help diagnose scalp conditions and monitor response to treatment.

We’re also known for our innovation. Penn Medicine dermatopathologists (skin pathology specialists) developed the HoVert technique, a specialized method for preparing and analyzing scalp biopsies to diagnose hair loss and other scalp disorders. This approach provides more detailed information than traditional biopsies and it can lead to faster, more precise treatment options.

Alopecia treatment specialists

Alopecia, or hair loss, can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body. Because there are so many different types of alopecia, like androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, and others, an accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment and getting your hair back. Our specialists can help.

Losing hair can feel personal and emotional because hair is part of our identity. We understand these challenges and are here to help you feel comfortable and confident. While no single alopecia treatment works for everyone, Penn Dermatology hair loss specialists have many options to manage your symptoms and improve hair growth. Treatment can range from vitamins to medications to procedures to help stimulate hair growth. Our hair dermatologists work with other specialists, like dermatopathologists, to confirm an alopecia diagnosis.

Advanced hair and scalp diagnostic pathology at Penn Medicine

When you’re struggling with hair loss or other scalp issues, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to feeling better. If our physicians are unable to confirm your diagnosis by using trichoscopy or our advanced imaging system, we will send a biopsy for analysis.  Penn Medicine’s dermatopathologists are experts in examining skin biopsies under a microscope, working closely with your dermatologist to understand your condition. They use advanced techniques, including horizontally sectioned biopsies and the innovative HoVert method, to get a complete picture of your hair follicles.

Our dermatopathologists are considered among the best in the country. As one of the few dermatology departments with dedicated research laboratories and specialized pathology facilities, we routinely receive laboratory test referrals from hospitals and health systems nationwide.

We offer a full range of skin studies, including:

• Routine hematoxylin-eosin stains
• Histochemical stains
• Immunohistochemical stains
• Direct and indirect immunofluorescence
• ELISA testing for pemphigus and pemphigoid
• Sézary cell analysis