Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring)

What is Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial Alopecia is a disorder whereby the hair follicle is destroyed, scar tissue appears, and permanent hair loss occurs. It is in essence inflammation and scarring of follicles. Hair loss may be gradual and without symptoms, going unnoticed for a long time; or the hair loss can progress rapidly, accompanied by severe itching, burning and pain.

The inflammation occurs below the skin, and no scars are visible above the skin. The areas of the scalp that are effected may show little signs of inflammation for some sufferers; however for others their scalp may have redness, scaling and decreased pigmentation.

What causes Cicatricial Alopecia The cause of this disease is not well understood. However, the common trait of sufferers is that the inflammation is directed at the top part of the follicle, when the stem cells and oil glands are located. if both the stem cells and oil gland is destroyed, then there is virtually no chance for regeneration of the hair follicle, and permanent hair loss results in the area.  Cicatricial Alopecia is not contagious, and are generally not associated with any other illness. It can occur in healthy men and women with no other medical conditions. The majority of people hwo suffer this disease do not have a family history of it.

What does Cicatricial Alopecia look like

Treatment for Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial Alopecias are classified by the type of inflammatory cell that attacks the hair follicle. These can be either lymphocytes, neutrophils, or mixed inflammatory cells. Medications and treatment regimes are different for each type of inflammation. General principles are outlined below, however it is vital to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and the proper prescription of medication.Treatment of the lymphocytic group of cicatricial alopecias involves use of anti-inflammatory medications. The goal of treatment is to decrease or eliminate the lymphocytic inflammatory cells that are attacking and destroying the hair follicle. Oral and topical medications may be prescribed. In certain circumstances a corticosteroid, may be injected into inflamed, symptomatic areas of the scalp.

Treatment of the neutrophilic group of Cicatricial Alopecias is focused at eliminating the pathogenic microbes that are involved in the inflammatory process. Oral antibiotics are used, and these are generally supplemented with topical antibiotics. Treatment of the mixed group of cicatricial alopecias may include antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatory medications.

The proper treatment course should be discussed with your dermatologist or doctor, and any potential side effects should be noted and observed. Laboratory tests are likely to be needed to determine the exact nature of the pathogenic microbes, prior to prescribing particular antibiotics. The course of the disease is generally prolonged, with treatment continuing until all the symptoms and signs of inflammation are controlled. In this case, the progression fo the condition would have been slowed to the point that pain, itching, tenderness and a burning sensation are cleared, and any scaling or pustules are not present. The progression of hair loss would also have been stopped by this stage. Treatment can them be stopped, however the Cicatricial Alopecia may reactivate after treatment is stopped.

If the follicle is destroyed, hair will not regrow. However, it may be possible, with proper and expedient treatment, to treat the inflammation in and around the affect areas, to prevent the follicles from being destroyed. For this reason, it is vital that the condition is diagnosed as soon as possible, and treatment begun. The rate of hair loss is unpredictable - progression may be slow with sufficient hair remaining to cover the affected areas, in other cases the disease  can progress rapidly and extensively. Minoxidil or Rogaine , in either 2% or 5% applied twice daily to the scalp may be helpful to stimulate any remaining unscarred follicles, permitting some hair regrowth around the affected areas.

 

 

Cicatricial Alopecia Videos and Further Information