Hair & Nails

Excess Hair

Excess hair, in areas beyond our scalp, can indicate an internal hormone abnormality or condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dark, coarse hair growth can occur with acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and acanthosis nigricans (dark skin patches on neck or underarms). Excess hair is called “hypertrichosis”. Excess hair with an underlying medical cause is called “hirsutism”. At Trueskin Dermatology, besides performing laser hair removal, we perform full evaluations as to the underlying causes and associated conditions.

Laser hair removal is performed under the direction and supervision of an on-site medical doctor and dermatologist, Paul Harrison MD, in the safest and most effective manner to perform laser hair removal or hair reduction. Dermatologists like Dr. Harrison are the medical experts of skin, nail and hair.

Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) is devastating. The hair loss can create smooth round bald areas, as in alopecia areata. This local autoimmune condition is treatable, and hair can regrow. Diffuse hair loss can be secondary to internal effects, detected through a medical exam and blood work.

Likewise, male pattern and female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), chronic telogen effluvium, and the other additive causes of hair loss should all be considered, addressed and treatment options given.

Nail Conditions

Nails can become thick, or thin and brittle, or yellow and discolored. Nails can grow bumps or tumors and have warts (periungual warts) in the adjoining skin. Fungus (tinea) can easily infect toenails and make them thick. Likewise, chronic eczema of the fingers or a cyst (bump) over the finger joint will disrupt the nail growth and make the nail surface rough. A brown streak or stripe in a nail can be serious, sometimes indicating a malignant melanoma, and requires an evaluation. To confuse matters, blood (subungual hematoma) or normal melanin pigment that seeps in the nail layers can look similar to a melanoma, so a timely visit to Trueskin Dermatology for examination of the nail is critical to distinguish. Fortunately, almost all nail conditions are treatable or curable, once properly diagnosed.