Everything You Need to Know About Cicatricial Alopecia

Now that we understand what cicatricial alopecia is, let’s explore its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options to better manage this rare but serious form of hair loss.

Usually, scarring is the result of inflammation that damages the hair follicles. Damage can result from a severe infection or burns. Researchers yet do not completely understand the causes of cicatricial alopecia. However, inflammation destroys stem cells and oil glands associated with the hair follicles. That leads to scarring and further hair loss. Cicatricial alopecia isn’t considered hereditary.

Some of the symptoms of cicatricial alopecia include,

• Gradually developing hair loss leading to the bald patch
• Rapid hair loss (in some cases) coupled with itching and burning
• Redness in the affected areas
• Crusting
• Development of scales and or pustules
• Pus of purulent discharge from the scalp

The symptoms may vary from person to person, though.

Scarring alopecia treatment aims to prevent further hair loss and cover bald areas. Diagnosis of the condition requires a clinical examination and biopsy. It involves examining a tiny sample of the affected tissue. It enables dermatologists to identify the inflammation’s type, and severity, and perform an exact diagnosis.

Cicatricial alopecia treatment depends on the type of cells causing inflammation in the patient’s body. Some treatment options may include systemic (biologic or oral), injected anti-inflammatory, or topical medications and steroids.

However, in cases where hair regrowth is not possible, dermatologists may suggest a hair transplant to cover bald patches. But hair transplant is possible only if the patient has adequate donor hair on other parts of the scalp and when the condition isn’t progressive.

The condition involves permanent hair loss resulting from the destruction of hair follicles and being replaced with scar tissues. Hence, once scarring takes place, you cannot reverse cicatricial alopecia. But you can prevent further hair loss and scar through experienced dermatologists and the treatment based on the cause of scarring. Nevertheless, your body’s response to the treatment will also matter.

Cicatricial alopecia may be diagnosed in up to three percent of hair loss patients. It is found in many healthy men and women worldwide.

Are you suffering from scarring alopecia? Consult us. We are a leading hair fall clinic in Pune with proven results across various hair conditions.

Although scarring alopecia has limited treatment options, we conduct a thorough diagnosis to identify the reason and provide the right treatment option. Our options may include corticosteroids in the form of creams or injections, antimalarial and isotretinoin drugs, antibiotics and isotretinoin, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, etc. All are to be taken in the supervision of a dermatologist.

We may also recommend cicatricial alopecia hair transplant surgery based on its suitability in the patient’s case. To know more, or book an appointment with our dermatologists, connect with us through our website.