Scalp Conditions & Disorders Treatment Harley Street, London | IA Dermatology

Scalp health is the foundation of healthy hair growth, yet it is often the most neglected area of skin care. Scalp conditions are remarkably common, but because they are often hidden under the hair, many patients suffer in silence or attempt to treat themselves with over-the-counter shampoos that may exacerbate the underlying scalp problems.

Symptoms such as persistent itching, flaking, redness, hair shedding, and visible lesions are not just cosmetic inconveniences—they can significantly impact your confidence and daily life.

At IA Dermatology in Harley Street, London, our Consultant Dermatologists provide expert medical assessments to diagnose the root cause of your scalp diseases and implement evidence-based treatment plans.

We regularly treat:

• Scalp dermatitis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff-related inflammation)
• Scalp eczema
• Scalp psoriasis
• Dry scalp and barrier dysfunction
• Allergic and contact scalp reactions
• Sun damage affecting the scalp
• Scalp cysts and benign lesions
• Scalp mole assessment and monitoring

Understanding Common Scalp Medical Conditions

The scalp is a unique environment with a high density of hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands. This makes it susceptible to specific skin conditions on the scalp that do not appear elsewhere on the body.

1. Scalp Dermatitis and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis:
   Often manifesting as “stubborn dandruff,” seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia). This can lead to a red scalp and dandruff, itchy red patches, and in severe cases, yellow scabs on the scalp. While many associate this with infants, cradle cap in adults is a frequent diagnosis in our clinic, requiring prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and antifungal care.
2. Scalp Psoriasis and Eczema:
   These chronic inflammatory conditions often present as white scaly patches on the scalp or dryness patches on the scalp. Unlike standard dandruff, scalp psoriasis can feel thick and “plaque-like,” while scalp eczema often leads to a compromised skin barrier, resulting in a burning scalp and extreme sensitivity. If you are experiencing eczema or psoriasis in London, professional intervention is required to prevent the inflammation from damaging hair follicles.
3. Scalp Folliculitis and Infections:
   If you notice small red bumps on the scalp or itchy scalp red bumps that resemble pimples, you may be suffering from scalp folliculitis. This is an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacteria or yeast. Without treatment, these red bumps on the scalp can become painful, lead to scalp sores, and eventually cause localized scarring hair loss (alopecia).

The Link Between Scalp Inflammation and Hair Loss

One of the most frequent questions we hear is: “Does itchy scalp mean balding?” or “Can scalp eczema cause hair loss?”

The answer is complex. While a temporary hair shedding event is common during a flare-up of scalp inflammation, chronic untreated conditions can lead to more permanent issues. Red scalp and hair loss together often indicate that the “soil” (the scalp) is too inflamed to support the “plant” (the hair).

Conditions like female patterned hair loss can be worsened by a poor scalp environment. By addressing scalp problems early, we can often halt the progression of thinning hair and restore the health of the hair cycle.

Every consultation is personalised, medically led, and designed to restore scalp health while supporting long-term hair and skin integrity.