Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial)
A group of rare disorders in which inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, causing permanent hair loss. Examples include lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
Causes
- ·Inflammatory destruction of the follicle.
- ·Lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus, frontal fibrosing alopecia.
- ·Often autoimmune in origin.
Symptoms
- ·Smooth, shiny patches where follicles are gone.
- ·Itching, burning or tenderness.
- ·Loss that progresses without treatment.
Treatments
Anti-inflammatory medicationCorticosteroidsOral immunomodulators
Hair transplant?
A candidate only once the disease is completely inactive — and the outcome is less predictable. Requires careful specialist assessment.