A form of scarring alopecia, centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is a term used to describe a type of hair disorder that causes the destruction of the hair follicle. The disorder itself causes the hair follicle to become destroyed, and, as it heals, scar tissue forms in that area. It is a serious condition in that it can lead to permanent hair loss for an individual, even though it does not usually cause medical complications.
Do You Have Symptoms of This?
In many cases, centrifugal cicatricial alopecia isn’t a sudden condition. What’s most interesting about this condition is that is very unpredictable. It occurs at different speeds and at different levels of severity from one person to the next. This can also make it hard to diagnose. The hair loss in some people, for example, can progress over numerous years. And, in many cases, it will progress without any symptoms and, as a result, it impacts hair follicles at a slow rate, making it hard to notice for long periods of time.
In other situations, centrifugal cicatricial alopecia can develop quickly. Over a period of just a few months, the condition can become very significant, leading to a lot of hair loss within three to six months. When it occurs at this rapid pace, it is often accompanied by pain and itching. Some people have a burning sensation as well. This is brought on by the inflammation that cicatricial centrifugal alopecia causes.
When centrifugal cicatricial alopecia develops, it will create inflammation that causes damage to the follicle. Because this tends to happen below the surface of the skin, the top layer of skin generally does not show any outward signs of scarring or damage. In some cases, scaling, redness and increased pigmentation can occur. Some individuals also develop draining sinuses and pustules.
A few other things to keep in mind - centrifugal cicatricial alopecia does not appear to be connected with any illness or disease. It occurs in men and women. All ages can be impacted by the condition as well. There does not seem to be any hereditary link to it. It also occurs in most races and around the world. Many people that have it are otherwise healthy.
What’s the Cause?
For those who develop centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, the question often asked is what’s the cause? Because it is a rare condition, doctors don’t really understand this condition. What is known is that the condition, no matter which form or how severe, always starts with inflammation. The inflammation impacts the hair follicle.
Is There a Treatment?
It’s important to know that the condition causes permanent hair loss in most situations. There are some treatment options that can reduce inflammation, if it is caught at the initial level. In this case, doctors may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory medications that can work to reduce the outcome and spreading of the condition. It is best to work closely with a dermatologist to determine if you have cicatricial centrifugal alopecia as well as if any treatment options can help to slow the condition or prevent it from spreading further.
If you have itching, burning, tenderness, or redness on your scalp, seek out treatment options that may be available to you. The sooner you seek treatment for the condition, even if you do not know that it is centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, the more likely it is that treatment options like this can help. Generally, doctors will recommend a course of treatment that spans six months to a year. After that time, if symptoms dissipate, the condition may stabilize.
If your condition has spread or if you have permanent hair loss as the result of centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, you still have options. Being that centrifugal cicatricial alopecia results in permanent hair loss you may want to consider the value and benefits of meeting with the hair professionals at Unique Hair Concepts. A free, private consultation at UHC will give you the opportunity to learn which non-surgical hair replacement option for women or men will be best to protect your scalp and help you to have the cosmetically improved look you desire. For many people, acting quickly is important to overcoming the limitations of centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.
