Alopecia cicatricial, also known as scarring alopecia, is a type of hair loss that results in permanent hair loss due to damage to the hair follicles. This damage can occur as a result of a number of different conditions, including autoimmune disorders, skin infections, and burn injuries.

Symptoms of alopecia cicatricial typically include hair loss, itching, and redness or inflammation in the affected area. In some cases, there may also be scarring or changes in the texture of the affected skin.

While the exact cause of alopecia cicatricial is not known, it is believed to be related to an immune system disorder that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. This can lead to inflammation, scarring, and ultimately, hair loss.

There is currently no cure for alopecia cicatricial, but there are a number of treatment options that can help to manage the condition. These include topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy and other forms of skin care.

In addition to medical treatment, there are also a number of self-care measures that can be taken to help manage the symptoms of alopecia cicatricial. These include avoiding harsh hair care products, using gentle, non-irritating shampoos and conditioners, and protecting the affected area from sun and wind exposure.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hair loss or other symptoms that may be related to alopecia cicatricial, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further hair loss and minimize the impact of the condition on your quality of life.

In conclusion, Alopecia Cicatricial is a type of hair loss that results from damage to the hair follicles, it can be caused by different conditions, symptoms include hair loss, itching, and redness or inflammation, there is no cure for it but there are treatment options that can help manage the condition, and it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Alopecia Cicatricial

There are several types of cicatricial alopecia, including:

1. Scarring alopecia (also known as “primary cicatricial alopecia”): A group of conditions characterized by inflammation that leads to destruction of the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss.

2. Secondary cicatricial alopecia: Hair loss that results from a pre-existing condition or disease, such as lupus or lichen planopilaris.

3. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA): A type of scarring alopecia that primarily affects African American women. It typically presents as a central area of hair loss that spreads outward over time.

4. Folliculitis decalvans: A rare type of scarring alopecia that primarily affects men and is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles.

5. Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp: A rare type of scarring alopecia that primarily affects men and is characterized by inflammation, scarring, and formation of abscesses in the hair follicles.

6. Tufted folliculitis: A rare condition that can occur in any hair-bearing area, it is characterized by clusters of small, raised, and itchy pustules.

7. Pseudopelade of Brocq: A rare form of cicatricial alopecia characterized by round or oval patches of hair loss that may be associated with itching, burning, or a sensation of tightness in the scalp.

Cicatricial Alopecia and Stress

While the exact causes of cicatricial alopecia are not fully understood, research suggests that stress may play a role in the development of the condition. Stress can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can lead to the destruction of hair follicles and hair loss. Additionally, stress can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions that can lead to cicatricial alopecia, such as lupus or lichen planopilaris. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, and exercise may help to reduce the risk of developing cicatricial alopecia or slow its progression. It is important to consult a dermatologist if you suspect you may have cicatricial alopecia as early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for preventing further hair loss.

Start With Understanding

If you're experiencing irregular areas of hair loss, broken hairs or changes in density and aren't sure what's causing them, you don't need to diagnose yourself from photographs online. In fact, I'd rather you didn't.

Start with understanding what you're seeing. Look at the pattern and the timeline. Examine the hair and scalp. Ask better questions. And when the evidence points beyond the hair itself, bring the appropriate professionals into the conversation.

Hair loss tells us that something has changed, but it doesn't always tell us exactly what changed. That's where observation, assessment and the right questions become so important.

Because before we can decide what to do about hair loss, we need to understand what we're actually looking at.

Keep Exploring Hair Loss

Trichotillomania is only one possible explanation for hair loss. Different hair-loss conditions can look surprisingly similar from the bathroom mirror, and sometimes more than one thing is happening at the same time.

→ Explore All Types of Hair Loss

You can learn more about androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, scarring alopecia, hormonal influences, nutritional factors and other patterns in my Hair Loss Library.

Concerned About Your Own Hair?

You don't need to determine what type of hair loss you have before reaching out. That's part of what an assessment is designed to help us understand.

My Comprehensive Trichology Assessment looks at the pattern and timeline of your hair loss, along with your scalp, hair growth, hair fibre, hair-care practices, and relevant context. The goal isn't to squeeze you into a one-size-fits-all answer. It's to understand the bigger picture, identify what may deserve further investigation and determine the most appropriate next steps for you.

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Related Reading

• Androgenetic Alopecia + Pattern Hair Loss

• Hormones + Hair Loss

• Nutrition + Hair Health

• Telogen Effluvium

• Trichoscopy

Educational information only. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat trichotillomania or any other medical or mental health condition. If you're experiencing recurrent hair pulling that is causing hair loss, distress or interfering with your daily life, speak with an appropriate healthcare or mental health professional.