Cicatricial alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia is a type of progressive inflammation of the scalp that leads to permanent hair loss and the formation of scars on the skin. It manifests itself in the loss of hair around the forehead, temples and occiput, as well as thickened and reddened areas of the skin. The causes of cicatricial alopecia can be varied, but most often they are related to the body’s autoimmune response, infectious or genetic factors. This disease can lead to serious emotional and psychological problems for those affected by its symptoms.

The most characteristic symptoms of cicatricial alopecia:

1. Gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, especially around the forehead and temples.
2. The occurrence of scars on the scalp, which may be the result of folliculitis.
3. Visible skin lesions such as redness, papules, peeling of the skin.
4. Cicatricial alopecia can be painful or itchy.
5. As a result of the long-term process, permanent hair loss on the scalp may occur.
6. It is also possible to have cicatricial alopecia in other areas of the body, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, beard.
7. In advanced cases, complete disappearance of hair on the scalp may occur, leading to baldness.

Cicatricial alopecia is a type of permanent alopecia caused by the destruction of hair follicles by inflammation and the formation of scarring at the site of the hair follicle. The causes of cicatricial alopecia can be varied, including:

1. Physical injuries – e.g. burns, wounds, mechanical injuries, surgical procedures.
2. Skin diseases – such as lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, rosacea, furunculous dermatitis.
3. Skin infections – such as mycosis, syphilis, leprosy.
4. Autoimmune skin diseases – for example, systemic scleroderma, psoriasis, pemphigoid or systemic lupus erythematosus.
5. Medications – some medications can cause cicatricial alopecia as a side effect.
6. Ionizing radiation – radiation therapy can cause damage to hair follicles and lead to cicatricial alopecia.

In the case of cicatricial alopecia, it is important to quickly diagnose the cause and take appropriate treatment, as it is permanent damage to the hair follicles that cannot be reversed. In some cases, it is possible to use therapy to inhibit the further progression of the scarring process.

Cicatricial alopecia is a difficult-to-treat form of alopecia that causes permanent hair loss on the scalp due to scar formation. Unfortunately, in most cases, there are no effective treatments for cicatricial alopecia because hair cannot grow on scarred areas of skin. However, it is possible to slow down and sometimes even stop the progression of the disease. Once a dermatologist has been diagnosed with the condition, they may recommend the use of topical medications, such as corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of losing more hair. In the case of late diagnosis, when scars have already formed, it is possible to use aesthetic medicine techniques such as scalp micropigmentation to create the illusion of thick hair. Hair transplantation to bald areas is also possible, but the hair loss process must be stopped and controlled with medication.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of treatment for cicatricial alopecia can vary depending on the individual case, so it is best to consult with your doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you.