Scarring Alopecia
If you are concerned about your thinning hair, you might suffer from scarring alopecia. In this article, you will learn about this condition, its symptoms, and how to treat it. If you suffer from this condition, please consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment option. Also learn about Frontal fibrosing alopecia, Lichen planopilaris, and Primary cicatricial alopecia.
Primary cicatricial alopecia
The diagnosis of primary cicatricial alopecia depends on the type of alopecia, the activity of the affected area, age, and general health of the patient. This disorder's diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of standardized terminology and the wide range of clinical manifestations. Topical corticosteroids are the first-line therapy and can be followed up with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide if there is no improvement within 4 weeks.
Primary cicatricial alopecia is a diverse group of hair loss disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of the hair follicle. Symptoms start as small bald patches and eventually expand to cover the entire scalp. This process occurs when inflammatory cells attack the hair follicle, destroying it permanently and resulting in permanent hair loss. The disease is rare in children but rarely affects babies.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia
There is no cure for Scarring Alopecia Due to Frontal Fibrosing. While treatments can slow the progression of the disease, they are not effective enough to reverse it. Available therapies include oral corticosteroids, intralesional steroid injections, anti-inflammatory drugs (tetracyclines, tetracyclines), and anti-malarial tablets.
Although there are no clear-cut diagnostic criteria for frontal fibrosing alopecia, symptoms and histologic findings are similar to those of lichen planopilaris. This alopecia affects predominantly pre and post-menopausal women but can also occur in men. A histological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Although frontal fibrosing alopecia typically affects women, it is also found in men (one to two percent of cases).
Lichen planopilaris
Treatment for lichen planopilaris varies depending on the severity and location of the disease. Although the disease generally resolves spontaneously, it can recur after several years of remission. This disease is erratic, and there is currently no cure for it. Treatment includes topical corticosteroids and antihistamines for itching. Patients may be prescribed retinoid drugs or photo chemotherapy light treatment in severe cases.
Lichen planopilaris affects approximately 0.5-1 percent of the population. It is most common in adult women and affects Caucasians more than Asians. Symptoms include multifocal alopecia of the scalp, hyperkeratosis, and pruritus. Typical clinical presentations of lichen planopilaris include white patches on the scalp, alopecia in the frontal area, and the Graham-Little Piccardi Lassueur Syndrome.