The appearance of hairless areas on the scalp can be due to various reasons. A correct diagnosis in time is fundamental since in this way it will be possible to determine the type of alopecia and treat it. One of the causes that can cause the appearance of bald spots is scarring alopecia. What does it consist of? Here we tell you the symptoms and treatment of scarring alopecia. All information below.
When speaking of scarring alopecia, reference is made to that hair loss that occurs with the appearance of scars. The development of cicatricial alopecia can have different causes such as injuries, trauma or the very presence of some capillary pathology, usually of autoimmune origin.
Due to the aforementioned, scarring alopecia does not refer to a single type of pathology, but to the set of hair diseases that occur with hair loss due to the appearance of scars and follicular destruction.
Depending on the factor that causes scarring alopecia, we can find several types that, in turn, can be classified into two large groups: primary scarring alopecias and secondary scarring alopecias.
Primary cicatricial alopecias are those whose development is due to some hair disease. These pathologies present with the appearance of scars that cause destruction of the follicle with irreversible hair loss in the affected tissues.
These primary alopecias, in turn, can be of various types depending on the hair disease that causes hair loss.
La fibrosing frontal alopecia It mostly affects women during menopause. One of the most common symptoms of this type of alopecia is receding hairline. It can also affect the eyebrows causing a progressive lack of density.
To date, the factors that promote frontal fibrosing alopecia are not clear. It is known that the hormonal component, as well as the genetic and immunological ones, play an important role in its appearance.
Lichen Planus is a capillary pathology that produces inflammation of the follicular units, destroying them and causing the hair to fall out. This disease begins with slight itching on the scalp and ends with the appearance of hairless plaques.
It is a type of alopecia of autoimmune origin that directly affects the tissues, causing a rash on the scalp and subsequent hair loss.
Among the primary cicatricial alopecias, Brocq's pseudopelada is the least common. The most characteristic symptoms of this pathology is the appearance of irregular patches without hair.
Like lupus dicoid, scleroderma is a rare alopecia of autoimmune origin. That is, it is the immune system itself that attacks the hair follicles causing hair loss.
Folliculitis decalvans affects men to a greater extent. Nor is it one of the most frequent, but it should be taken into account since it causes irreversible hair loss. It usually presents with itching, stinging and even pustules.
On the other hand, secondary cicatricial alopecias are not due to capillary diseases, but are consequence of skin lesions caused by other surgeries, trauma or burns. These scars on the scalp affect hair growth by preventing new hair from growing.
Depending on the pathology or factor that causes hair loss, the symptoms and treatment of scarring alopecia varies. It is for this reason that going to an expert hair doctor is essential to detect the problem in time and, thus, apply the most appropriate treatment in each case.
However, the symptoms and treatment of scarring alopecia do not vary excessively from one to another. According to our Medical The most common effects of this type of hair loss are inflammation of the scalp, a feeling of itching or stinging, as well as the appearance of patches or scars in the affected areas.
As for the treatments, they will depend exclusively on the doctor's criteria. After a physical examination, as well as a trichoscopy analysis, the medical team adapts the treatment according to each particular case. They are used more often dermatological, oral or topical treatments, with the aim of stabilizing hair loss as well as the symptoms of scarring alopecia.
As we have mentioned, hair loss due to scarring alopecia is irreversible and in scar tissue it does not come out naturally in any case. But, could hair grafting with the FUE technique be used to have hair again in the areas where it was lost?
The truth is that it largely depends on the degree of alopecia, as well as the person's general health. Therefore, capillary grafting in patients with scarring alopecia is viable but not in all cases. That is why it is essential to go to a specialized hair clinic to obtain a medical diagnosis.
En Hospital Capilar We are experts in hair surgery and medicine. We perform hair grafting with the FUE technique, always guaranteeing the best aesthetic results. Request your first diagnosis at no cost!