There are several types of scarring hair loss. They are caused by inflammation around the hair follicles that eventually heal over with ‘fibrosis’ or scar. These entities can be treated if diagnosed early. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the inflammation to allow the hair to regrow. However, once the scarring has begun, it becomes difficult to achieve regrowth.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)
For unknown reasons, LPP is typically seen in middle-aged Caucasian women. It typically leads to tender, burning, and/or itchy areas in the front of the scalp with redness, scaling, and bumps around the affected hair follicles.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)
FFA is considered to be a variant of LPP; however, it is more commonly seen in post- menopausal Caucasian women. These women experience gradual hairline recession and eyebrow loss.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
For unknown reasons, CCCA affects predominantly women of African descent. It can be accompanied by traction alopecia and may be related to a history of tight hairstyling practices or pomade use. It starts with mild tenderness and hair loss on the crown of the scalp. If left untreated, it can be a chronic progressive condition, leading to cosmetically disfiguring balding.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
DLE is an autoimmune condition that typically only affects the skin. However, rarely, these individuals can develop systemic lupus erythematosus. When DLE affects the scalp, it can cause reddish-purple or brown plaques with hair loss in the affected areas.
To determine which type of scarring hair loss is affecting you, contact KMC Hair Center at 913-631-6330 and speak with our team.
