Hair and Scalp Disorders

Few dermatologists in the country specialize in treating hair and scalp disorders. Penn Dermatology is known nationally and internationally for having dermatologists with the foremost expertise and state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods for patients seeking treatment for hair and scalp problems.

World-Class Experts for Hair and Scalp Disorders

The Hair and Scalp Clinic at Penn Medicine is an advanced and highly specialized center for diagnosing and treating rare and common hair and scalp disorders that affect adolescents and adults including:

• Male- and female-pattern baldness
• Hair shedding (telogen effluvium)
• Alopecia (areata/totalis/universalis)
• Scarring alopecia (lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing, central centrifugal)
• Hair loss related to autoimmune disorders or other diseases
• Hirsutism and hypertrichosis or excessive growth of the hair

Advanced Diagnostics for Hair and Scalp Disorders

Penn dermatopathologists in Penn Cutaneous Pathology Services use the most advanced methods for diagnosing alopecia from a scalp biopsy.

Horizontally sectioned biopsies provide a wealth of information regarding the state of the hair follicles in patients with alopecia, yet few pathology laboratories perform this service. At Penn, horizontal sections are performed routinely.

Furthermore, Penn dermatopathologists developed an even more advanced method called the HoVert technique for diagnosing hair loss and other disorders from a scalp biopsy. The technique uses a unique horizontal and vertical testing approach that provides a greater amount of information to the referring dermatologist than standard industry longitudinal scalp biopsies.

Comprehensive Medical Assessment of Hair Loss

Penn dermatologists provide a thorough medical assessment of patients with hair loss with the goal of optimizing conditions for hair growth. Patients undergo a comprehensive assessment that may include:

• Detailed personal and family history
• Examination of the hair and scalp
• Scalp biopsy
• Blood tests
• Nutritional assessment

At Penn Dermatology, patients with hair and scalp disorders receive a thorough evaluation and an accurate diagnosis before formulation of an appropriate treatment plan.