Hair and Nail Disorders


Schedule your procedure in El Campo, TX

SCHEDULE NOW

What are Hair and Nail Disorders?

Hair disorders may include loss of hair, and may also include scalp disorders. Nail disorders are a large group of conditions that affect the appearance of the finger and toenails. These conditions may be caused by many factors, including genetics or autoimmune problems. Nail problems and hair disorders can also result from nutritional deficiencies, infections, and underlying medical conditions. They may be signs of underlying conditions or systemic diseases, and noticing changes in your hair or nails is important, as these changes can sometimes indicate broader health problems.

Both of these groups of conditions can be stressful and cause self-consciousness in those who suffer from them. While there is a large array of both hair and nail disorders, some of the more common ones include disorders that can result from various causes, including genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, infections, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions:

Hair Disorders

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patches of hair loss. The immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in loss of hair. There are different forms of alopecia that affect hair loss with different levels of severity. This condition can also cause nail pitting or splitting, and nail pitting is commonly seen in other autoimmune diseases as well. There are a number of treatment options available, including corticosteroids and topical immunotherapy.

Trichotillomania

This is a compulsion that causes people to pull out the hair on their scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. It is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment may include medications such as Prozac and cognitive-behavior therapy.

Telogen Effluvium

This condition causes excessive hair loss, which is caused by stress on the body. This stress may be due to fever, infection, childbirth, surgery, thyroid disease, restrictive diets, emotional stress, or severe chronic illness. Hair loss usually occurs in the weeks or months following the stressful event. Once the stressor is over or removed, hair shedding usually slows down within 6-8 months.

Dandruff

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, causes flaking skin on the scalp. It is caused by overactive oil glands that may result in yellow or white skin flakes shedding from the scalp. Treatment includes using special shampoos containing dandruff-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, tar, and ketoconazole.

Hair and Nail FAQS

Can hair grow back after thinning?

Depending on the cause of hair loss, some treatments can be effective in reversing the effects of alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and even hair pulling (trichotillomania).

Do hair skin and nail vitamins really work?

People with certain vitamin deficiencies may be at a higher risk for developing hair, skin, or nail conditions, in which case supplemental vitamins may be prescribed by a dermatologist.

Does collagen make hair thicker?

Collagen has several uses when it comes to hair growth, including providing essential amino acids for keratin synthesis, protecting follicles from damage, and providing skin with resilience and strength.

What causes vertical ridges in nails?

Slight vertical ridges or lines in the nails is often a symptom of the natural signs of aging. Deeper, more noticeable grooves may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or nail disorder.

How long does it take biotin to work on hair?

Biotin does not help thinning hair unless you have a deficiency. (Most Americans don't) Biotin can interfere with labs for thyroid hormones and tests to see if someone is having a heart attack.

What do hair and nails have in common?

Both hair and nails are made primarily of the protein keratin, arranged in different formations in the nail beds and hair follicles.

Why are my fingernails opaque?

Onychomycosis is the term for fungal nail infection, which can cause the nails to grow thick, brittle, and opaque. Treatment for this condition is an antifungal medication.

Can you stop hair loss in patches?

One common form of hair loss is called alopecia areata, which is when the immune system begins attacking hair follicles, resulting in patches of hair loss. Treatments for various levels of severity include corticosteroids and immunotherapy.

Can hair fall out suddenly?

If you experience a sudden loss of hair, or discoloration of patches of hair, and have experienced a recent change in stress level, you could be suffering from telogen effluvium. Removing the stressor can bring hair regrowth in several months.

How do I treat an ingrown toenail?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to additional pain and infection, which is why it may need to be removed with a minor surgical procedure by Dr. Erwin.

See All

Nail Disorders

Onycholysis

With this condition, known as nail separation (onycholysis), the nail separates from the nail bed and is usually caused by infection or injury. Nail separation can have various underlying causes, such as infection, trauma, psoriasis, or thyroid disease, and identifying the underlying cause is important for proper treatment. Treatment includes clipping off the affected area of the nail. It is important to keep the affected area of the nail dry, so wear gloves when washing or cleaning. Healing usually takes place over 2-3 months.

Onychomycosis

Also known as nail fungus, onychomycosis is the most common type of nail infection and often starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. This condition causes the nails to become thick, opaque, white, and brittle. Nails thicken as a common symptom, and thickening of the nails is frequently caused by fungal infections but can also result from psoriasis or trauma. Injury to the nails may increase the risk of fungal infection, as does wearing acrylic nails, or spending time in damp, warm conditions. Treatment options may include antifungal drugs that are taken orally or applied to the nail.

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. This most commonly occurs on the big toe and can cause pain, redness, and lead to infection if not treated. In some cases, minor surgery may be needed to remove part of the nail, the nail bed, and excess skin.

Ideal Candidates for Hair and Nail Disorder Treatment

Anyone who is affected by a hair or nail disorder that causes discomfort, embarrassment, or stress can benefit from treatment. Patients with persistent or sudden problems with hair or nails should seek a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist or doctor, as these symptoms may indicate underlying skin conditions, infections, or systemic diseases that require professional assessment. Early diagnosis and expert care are important for the best outcomes. The best way to determine which treatment option is best for you is through an assessment by Dr. Erwin at our office. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Us Today

If you have a hair or nail disorder that you would like to get treatment for, contact our office by calling 979-543-9933 to schedule your initial appointment! Dr. Erwin has the skills and experience to successfully diagnose and treat your condition for a better quality of life.