Hair & Nail Disorders
Hair and nail disorders can affect anyone and often have a significant impact on self-esteem and quality of life. Common conditions include hair loss (alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium) and nail diseases such as fungal infections (onychomycosis) or psoriasis-related changes.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our dermatologists use advanced diagnostic tools and individualized treatment plans to address the underlying cause, helping restore healthy hair growth and nail appearance.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
The symptoms of hair and nail conditions can vary widely:
- Patchy hair loss or round bald spots on the scalp (alopecia areata)
- Gradual thinning along the crown or temples (androgenetic alopecia)
- Sudden shedding after illness, surgery, or stress (telogen effluvium)
- Brittle, thickened, or discolored nails, often due to fungal infection
- Pitting, ridging, or separation of nails associated with psoriasis or autoimmune disease
During your evaluation, your dermatologist will review your medical history, medications, recent stressors, and family background. They may also perform a scalp or nail examination to identify patterns typical of specific conditions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on both visual inspection and specialized testing to confirm the underlying cause. These may include:
- Trichoscopy (scalp dermoscopy): Magnified imaging to evaluate hair follicle health
- Scalp or nail biopsy: To confirm autoimmune or inflammatory causes
- Fungal cultures or PCR testing: For onychomycosis and scalp infections
- Blood work: To assess thyroid function, hormone balance, or nutritional deficiencies
Treatment & Ongoing Management
Treatment depends on the condition, its cause, and severity. Your dermatologist may recommend:
- Topical therapies: Minoxidil, corticosteroids, or antifungal agents
- Oral medications: Finasteride, antifungals, or immunomodulatory drugs when needed
- Procedural options: Corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for stimulating hair regrowth
- Lifestyle and nutritional guidance: Optimizing diet, stress management, and hair/nail care routines
For nail disorders, specialized antifungal therapy and preventive care, such as keeping nails clean, trimmed, and dry, can significantly improve outcomes.
Follow-Up & Outlook
Many hair and nail disorders respond well to consistent care, though improvement may take several months. Regular follow-up enables your dermatologist to monitor your progress, modify treatments, and prevent recurrence. With personalized therapy, most patients experience stronger nails, fuller hair, and renewed confidence.