Ever wondered why some balding men look like Mr. Clean – with a shiny, fuzz-free scalp – and others must shave their heads? Cicatricial alopecia might be part of the answer.
Cicatricial alopecia, sometimes called scarring alopecia, often leaves behind skin that “is bald, smooth and shiny, and pores are absent because of a complete loss of follicular opening.” Because the scarring destroys the outer sheath of the hair root, it is a permanent form of hair loss – with no chance for natural regrowth of the hair.
What Does Cicatricial Alopecia Look Like?
According to the National Institutes of Health report, “Clinically, there are 1 or more patches of permanent alopecia on the scalp. These may remain discrete or coalesce to produce a near total alopecia.” That means it could be one shiny patch or a head full of them, and no one knows exactly what causes this form of hair loss.
What Is the Cause of Cicatricial Alopecia?
The dermatology department at Mount Sinai suggests that primary cicatricial alopecia is usually caused by inflammation, often from an autoimmune condition. “Researchers do not yet fully understand the causes of the disease. But we believe that inflammation destroys the stem cells and oil glands of the hair follicle, leading to scarring (called fibrosis) and hair loss.” The scar tissue is what leaves the scalp looking shiny and without pores.
In some people, cicatricial alopecia mimics other forms of hair loss. Meanwhile in others, it can be a painful, itching, or burning process accompanied by scaley skin or sores.
The National Organization of Rare Diseases calls cicatricial alopecia a group of rare disorders that “destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. Hair loss can be gradual, without symptoms, and unnoticed for long periods. In other cases, the hair loss may be associated with severe itching, pain and burning, and progress rapidly. Cicatricial alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy males and females of all ages and is seen worldwide.”
In addition, while it is not an autoimmune condition in and of itself, some autoimmune conditions (like lupus) can make it more likely that you will develop cicatricial alopecia. Secondary cicatricial alopecia is similar but is hair loss and scarring caused by an external source – like burns, radiation, or other severe skin trauma.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Scarring and Non-scarring Alopecia?
In early stages, other forms of alopecia do not look much like cicatricial alopecia… mostly because they lack scarring. But in more advanced hair loss cases, many forms of alopecia may leave scars.
Researchers argued in this study that the only definitive way to diagnose scarring alopecia is with histology, taking a small sample of the area and examining it under a microscope. A clinical exam can start the process, but an examination of the hair follicle is the best form of diagnosis.
Precision Hair Restoration Can Help You With Cicatricial Alopecia
While your hair will not return naturally if you have scarring alopecia, there might still be a solution. In addition, the sooner you know what is happening with your hair, the more likely you are to stop it. At Precision Hair Restoration, we can evaluate your hair loss and make a treatment plan. Call us today to get started.
