What is scarring alopecia?
Scarring alopecia refers to a permanent loss of head hair due to a disease that destroys the hair follicle and creates a scar.
The scar is due to various inflammatory skin conditions which creates scars and destroys the ability of the hair to regenerate again. Hair loss starts gradually and then the skin atrophies and becomes smooth. In some cases healthy patches of hair remain.
Early diagnosis of the skin condition leading to scarring alopecia combined with case-specific individualized treatment can be life-saving to prevent extensive destruction of hair follicles.
Forms of scarring alopecia
Scarring alopecia is divided into:
- Primary scarring alopecia
- Secondary scarring alopecia
In case the causes are internal [dermatoses], scarring alopecia is classified as primary. If the causes are external [e.g. burns, injury or neoplasm] it is called secondary
Lichen Planopilaris is a syndrome that causes scarring alopecia and occurs most commonly in women.
What are the factors that lead to scarring alopecia?
Scarring alopecia is usually caused by diseases such as :
- lupus erythematosus
- Thyroid Lichen
- Scarring Pemphigoid
- Achorrhoids
- fungal infections of the scalp
In addition, it may occur as a result of:
- Skin or systemic diseases.
- Infections or inflammations of the skin.
- External natural causes.
- Neoplasms
- Hereditary diseases