Scarring Hair Loss
Scarring hair loss, also called cicatricial alopecia, is the generic term applied to alopecia that accompanies or follows the destruction of hair follicles. Scarring hair loss could be caused by a disease affecting the follicles themselves (primary cicatricial alopecia), or by some indirect process external to them (secondary cicatricial alopecia).
The skin affected by scarring hair loss often has a translucent (“onion skin”) or de-pigmented look, sometimes accompanied by inflammation, and the hair loss can be patchy or diffuse. A biopsy is usually performed to identify the exact cause of this type of alopecia. Examples of scarring hair loss are cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. |
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The Causes of Scarring Hair Loss:
The follicles may be absent as a result of a developmental defect, or they may be irretrievably injured by trauma, as with burns or continuous over-processing and pulling of the hair. They may also be destroyed by a specific and identifiable infection or by the encroachment of a benign or malignant tumor.
Scarring Hair Loss Treatment:
Treatment for scarring hair loss is limited, as the condition is often permanent. However, systemic or topical corticosteroids are often used to reduce the inflammation and slow the progress of the disease.
The follicles may be absent as a result of a developmental defect, or they may be irretrievably injured by trauma, as with burns or continuous over-processing and pulling of the hair. They may also be destroyed by a specific and identifiable infection or by the encroachment of a benign or malignant tumor.
Scarring Hair Loss Treatment:
Treatment for scarring hair loss is limited, as the condition is often permanent. However, systemic or topical corticosteroids are often used to reduce the inflammation and slow the progress of the disease.
