Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Scalp conditions can cause itching, flaking, redness, scaling, tenderness, bumps, or changes in the hair and scalp. Some scalp problems are mild and temporary, while others may require medical evaluation and treatment.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for scalp conditions in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience and a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes evaluates the scalp, hair, symptoms, and individual characteristics of each patient when determining the appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach.
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Scalp conditions are disorders that affect the skin of the scalp, the hair follicles, or both.
The scalp can develop many of the same inflammatory, infectious, and dermatologic conditions that affect other areas of the skin. Because several scalp conditions can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important before beginning treatment.
Depending on the underlying cause, scalp symptoms may include:
Some scalp conditions are chronic and may come and go over time, while others may resolve once the underlying cause is treated.
A number of dermatologic conditions can affect the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition that can cause redness, itching, and flaking of the scalp. It may also affect areas such as the eyebrows, ears, or sides of the nose.
Psoriasis can affect the scalp and cause areas of thickened, inflamed skin with scaling. Scalp psoriasis may extend beyond the hairline and can sometimes be associated with psoriasis elsewhere on the body.
Eczema can cause itching, dryness, inflammation, and irritation of the scalp. Different types of dermatitis can have overlapping symptoms, making professional evaluation helpful when symptoms persist.
Certain fungal infections can affect the scalp and may cause scaling, itching, inflammation, broken hairs, or areas of hair loss. Some infections require prescription treatment.
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. It may cause small red bumps, pimples, pustules, tenderness, or itching on the scalp.
Hair products, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and other substances can sometimes trigger an allergic or irritant reaction on the scalp.
Cysts, benign growths, and other lesions can develop on the scalp. A dermatologist can determine whether a bump is consistent with a cyst or another type of skin growth.
Some inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune scalp conditions can affect the hair follicles and result in temporary or permanent hair loss.
Because some causes of hair loss require early treatment, persistent or unexplained hair loss should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
There is no single cause of scalp symptoms.
Depending on the condition, scalp problems may be related to:
Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment for one scalp condition may not be appropriate for another.
Scalp conditions can appear in different ways.
You may notice:
The appearance of inflammation can vary depending on natural skin pigmentation. In patients with darker skin tones, redness may be less obvious and inflammation may appear brown, purple, gray, or darker than the surrounding skin.
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if you experience:
You should also consider professional evaluation if you are unsure what is causing your scalp symptoms.
Different conditions can look similar, and using the wrong treatment may sometimes make irritation worse.
Scalp conditions can affect people of every skin tone.
However, inflammatory changes may appear differently depending on a patient's natural pigmentation. Redness may be less apparent on darker skin, while inflammation may produce changes in pigmentation that remain visible after the original condition improves.
Certain scalp conditions can also contribute to temporary or permanent changes in hair growth, making appropriate diagnosis particularly important.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural skin tone, scalp characteristics, hair type, symptoms, and individual history when evaluating scalp conditions.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Most scalp conditions can be evaluated through a dermatologic examination and medical history.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
Depending on the suspected condition, additional testing may sometimes be recommended.
This can include:
The goal is to identify the underlying condition so treatment can be directed at the actual cause.
Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition.
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include:
Some scalp conditions require ongoing management rather than a single treatment.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate your scalp and recommend an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment needs.
Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of scalp flaking and itching, but not every flaky scalp is caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
Similar symptoms can occur with:
A dermatologist can distinguish between these conditions based on the appearance and distribution of the scalp changes and your medical history.
Learn more about Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment in Washington, DC →
Some scalp conditions can contribute to hair shedding or hair loss.
Inflammation, infection, autoimmune conditions, and certain disorders affecting the hair follicles may interfere with normal hair growth.
Hair loss may be temporary in some situations, while damage to the hair follicle can result in permanent hair loss in others.
For this reason, unexplained, sudden, or progressive hair loss should be evaluated rather than assuming it is simply related to stress, aging, or hair care practices.
Learn more about Hair Loss Treatment in Washington, DC →
Yes.
Hair dyes, fragrances, preservatives, relaxers, styling products, shampoos, conditioners, and other products can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
A reaction may cause:
If symptoms repeatedly develop after using a particular product, your dermatologist can help determine whether contact dermatitis or another condition may be responsible.
Not every scalp condition can be prevented.
However, certain habits may help reduce irritation and maintain scalp health:
If you have an underlying chronic scalp condition, regular management may help reduce flare-ups.
Scalp care can vary depending on hair texture, styling practices, and individual needs.
Patients who wear protective styles, use chemical treatments, extensions, wigs, or other hair practices may have unique scalp-care considerations.
A dermatologist can help identify whether symptoms are related to an underlying skin condition, irritation, infection, hair practices, or a combination of factors.
Treatment recommendations should take into account both the scalp condition and the patient's usual hair-care routine.
Most scalp conditions do not require emergency treatment.
However, prompt medical evaluation may be appropriate if you develop:
If you are experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek appropriate medical care.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Scalp Evaluation
for inflammatory, infectious, and other scalp conditions
Individualized Treatment Plans
based on the underlying cause, symptoms, and scalp characteristics
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Convenient Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for scalp conditions, inflammatory skin conditions, infections, and other dermatologic concerns. Dr. Holmes considers the appearance of the scalp, symptoms, hair characteristics, medical history, and individual factors when determining whether treatment or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes understands that inflammatory and pigmentary changes may present differently across different skin tones and considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when developing a treatment plan.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
Persistent scalp symptoms should not always be dismissed as ordinary dandruff. If you are experiencing ongoing itching, scaling, bumps, irritation, scalp pain, or unexplained hair loss, a dermatology evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment may be appropriate.
Schedule a Scalp Evaluation in Washington, DC
