Cicatricial Alopecia: Scarring Alopecia
Cicatricial Alopecia, also referred to as scarring alopecia, is a condition that causes a person to lose their hair, for a number of reasons. This form of alopecia makes up only three percent of men and women that experience hair loss. It is a significant and problematic form of female hair loss. Even though this condition is rare, there are some things you should understand and be aware of. The good news is that there are a number of excellent women’s hair replacement options available to allow those suffering from Cicatrical Alopecia to live a normal, productive life.
What Conditions Fall Under Scarring Alopecia?
Under the category of Scarring Alopecia, the following conditions present themselves:
• Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis
• Dissecting cellulitis
• Follicular degeneration syndrome
• Lichen planopilaris
• Folliculitis
• Decalvans and others
The condition that causes alopecia leads to a permanent form of hair loss. There is currently no way to improve the damage that is caused to the hair follicles as a result of it. The damage caused is quite significant and it allows scar tissue to form in them. This makes it impossible for hair to grow into the follicle.
What Does Scarring Alopecia Look Like?
Scarring alopecia is something that can develop over time. A small patch will become larger. It can be difficult to notice in some situations because initially only a small area is impacted, and it often goes unnoticed initially. There are some situations that a person may find that they have pain, itching or a burning feeling in that area. One of the most common forms of scarring alopecia is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA).
Unlike a traditional alopecia patch, scarring alopecia doesn’t cause a round circle of hair loss. Rather, the edges are often ragged, but the areas impacted tend to be smooth and in a round shape overall. Usually, there is no swelling for discoloration. Some may experience some level of scaling or redness. Some less common conditions could include blisters and pus.
How the Condition Worsens
The condition begins with a small patch. Over time this will worsen as it spreads outward. It does however simply stops growing. If there is inflammation of the skin, it typically fades away and stops occurring. If there is any pain experienced it will go away over time. How long it takes will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. For some, it can happen quickly while for others it can develop over the years.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
The underlying damage that is done by this condition has no fix for the follicles. It may seem like there is nothing that can be done. That is not necessarily true. While scarring alopecia does cause damage that cannot be fixed, treating the inflammation that can occur can help. It allows for treatment of the condition to minimize it from spreading. Over time, this can help in slowing down and possibly even stopping the progression damage.
Sometimes topical creams have been used to also help as well as injections into the impacted skin. These help by working to reduce the inflammation and to stop the spread of the condition by isolating the expansion of the damage. The earlier you can start treatment the better. This condition begins with just a small patch of hair loss. Spotting this as it develops will give doctors time to treat it and help keep it from spreading.
Talk to a Hair Loss Professional
If you or someone you know is dealing with hair loss, we invite you to contact us today at Advance Techniques in Richmond, Virginia. We would be happy to sit down with you in a private consultation to discuss your hair loss issue and help you find the right solution for you. Restoring your hair not only gives you your hair back but it can do so much to restore your self-esteem.