Tired of stubborn dandruff, itchy scalp, or embarrassing flaking that won't respond to drugstore shampoos? Our board-certified dermatologists diagnose the root cause and provide prescription-strength treatment that delivers real results.
Schedule Your ConsultationThe scalp is one of the most complex areas of skin on the body. With one of the highest densities of sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles, the scalp creates a unique microenvironment that is prone to a wide range of conditions—from mild dandruff to severe inflammatory disorders that can lead to hair loss.
At Paradise Medical Center in Westchester, Miami, our dermatologists understand that scalp problems are more than a nuisance. Persistent itching, visible flaking, redness, and scalp tenderness can significantly impact your quality of life, self-confidence, and even your hair health.
Many patients struggle for years with scalp conditions, cycling through countless over-the-counter shampoos without lasting relief. The reason is simple: effective treatment requires an accurate diagnosis. Dandruff, scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and fungal infections all look similar but require very different treatments. Our dermatologists use clinical examination and, when necessary, scalp biopsy to pinpoint the exact condition affecting your scalp.
Miami's heat and humidity can exacerbate many scalp conditions by increasing sweating, oil production, and fungal growth. Our treatment plans account for these local environmental factors to provide lasting relief year-round.
🎬 Video Coming Soon: Dr. Teresa Moreno explains common scalp conditions and effective treatment strategies
Our dermatologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of scalp disorders. Each condition has distinct causes and requires a targeted treatment approach for optimal results.
The most common cause of persistent dandruff. Caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, it produces greasy, yellowish scales, redness, and itching. We treat it with prescription antifungal shampoos, topical corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors.
An autoimmune condition causing thick, silvery-white scales, intense itching, and well-defined red plaques on the scalp. Can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, ears, and neck. Requires specialized treatment including topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, and biologics for severe cases.
Allergic or irritant reactions to hair products, dyes, relaxers, or styling chemicals. Causes itching, burning, redness, and flaking. Identification and avoidance of the offending product is essential, supported by anti-inflammatory treatment during recovery.
A contagious fungal infection of the scalp common in children but also affecting adults. Causes patchy hair loss, scaling, and sometimes painful, swollen areas called kerions. Requires oral antifungal medication for effective treatment—topical agents alone are insufficient.
Infection or inflammation of hair follicles on the scalp, causing painful, pus-filled bumps. Can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or irritation from tight hairstyles. Treatment includes antibacterial or antifungal agents depending on the underlying cause.
Some scalp conditions, if left untreated, can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Scarring alopecias like lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia require prompt dermatologic intervention to preserve hair follicles.
Effective scalp treatment begins with accurate diagnosis and continues with a customized, multi-step treatment plan designed for both acute relief and long-term management.
We prescribe medical-grade shampoos containing ketoconazole, ciclopirox, selenium sulfide, or coal tar—far more effective than drugstore alternatives. These target the specific organisms and inflammation driving your condition. We guide you on proper application technique and frequency for maximum benefit.
Prescription-strength corticosteroid solutions, foams, and oils reduce inflammation and itching quickly. For longer-term maintenance, non-steroidal options like calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) provide anti-inflammatory benefits without steroid side effects. Vitamin D analogs like calcipotriene are effective for scalp psoriasis.
Severe or widespread scalp conditions may require oral medications including antifungals (for tinea capitis), antibiotics (for bacterial folliculitis), or systemic therapies for autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. We carefully select medications based on your specific diagnosis and health profile.
For patients experiencing hair thinning alongside scalp conditions, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can stimulate follicle health and promote regrowth. This treatment uses your own concentrated platelets to support scalp healing and hair density restoration.
Most scalp conditions are chronic or recurring, making long-term management essential. Our dermatologists don't just treat flares—we help you establish routines and strategies that keep your scalp healthy year-round.
Once your active condition is controlled, we transition to a maintenance regimen. This typically involves using medicated shampoo 1–2 times per week and applying topical treatments as needed. This approach prevents recurrence while minimizing medication use and potential side effects.
Stress, weather changes, hormonal shifts, certain hair products, and dietary factors can all trigger scalp flares. We help you identify your personal triggers and develop strategies to minimize their impact. In Miami, increased humidity and sweating during summer months are common exacerbating factors.
Many commercial shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain ingredients that irritate sensitive scalps or worsen conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. We recommend specific product lines and ingredients to look for—and avoid—based on your scalp condition.
Persistent dandruff that doesn't respond to over-the-counter shampoos often indicates a more severe form of seborrheic dermatitis or an entirely different scalp condition like psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or a fungal infection. Each of these conditions requires specific prescription treatments that drugstore products cannot provide. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose the root cause and prescribe targeted therapies for lasting relief.
Dandruff itself doesn't directly cause permanent hair loss, but the intense itching and scratching it triggers can damage hair follicles and lead to temporary hair thinning. Severe, untreated scalp inflammation from conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis can affect hair growth cycles. In most cases, treating the underlying scalp condition restores normal hair growth within a few months.
The most common causes include seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), scalp psoriasis, contact dermatitis from hair products or dyes, fungal infections like tinea capitis, and simple dry scalp. In Miami's humid climate, sweat and heat can worsen many scalp conditions. Because these conditions require different treatments, professional diagnosis is essential for effective relief.
Most patients see significant improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of starting prescription treatment. Itching and redness typically improve within the first week. However, conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis are chronic and require ongoing maintenance therapy to prevent flares. Your dermatologist will create a sustainable long-term management plan tailored to your needs.
Stop struggling with stubborn dandruff and scalp conditions. Schedule a consultation with our dermatologists today.
Call (786) 738-9515