It is considered another type of condition called
lichen planopilaris. It causes hair fall and scarring in the frontal part of
the scalp due to inflammation and the destruction of hair follicles. The
condition may cause hair loss on eyebrows and near the ears. The hair loss is
slowly progressive and cannot be reversed. It mainly affects post-menopausal
women over the age of 50. It is rare in younger women and men.
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS
1. Symmetrical line of hair loss on the front and
side of the scalp and gradual loss of eyebrows and other hair on your body
might be noticed.
2. Skin is affected may appear pale and shiny.
3. Scarring may be observed on the front of the
scalp.
4. It may cause no symptom at all or mild burning
or redness on the affected frontal part of the scalp. As soon as you see
any of the signs or symptoms as above you can reach out to us so that we
can restrict the condition as early as possible at Royal Hairnic.
CAUSES:
1. Exact factors causing Frontal Fibrosing
Alopecia are not yet known. It is believed that hormonal and immune
systems play a major part in its development since it mainly affects
post-menopausal women over age 50.
2. It may be due to autoimmune conditions in
which cells called lymphocytes, part of the immune system attack hair
follicles. It is unclear as to why only frontal hair follicles are
attacked.
3. Though it has been seen in few cases as
hereditary it not believed to be a hereditary condition.
4. Environmental factors and allergy to hair dye
are suggested to be the cause as well.
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Diagnosis can be done on the basis of the
pattern of hair loss, examining the scalp near the affected area for
redness or scales around hair follicles.
2. A skin biopsy may be performed to examine the
cells and hair follicles under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and
prescribe a treatment plan. Complete evaluation and explanation of every
possible will be concluded and shared all the information with you at
Royal Hairnic so that you do understand the process as well as we do.
TREATMENT:
1. The success of any treatment for this
condition is variable and there is no proven treatment as of now to cure
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.
2. Topical Treatment options: Topical Steroid
Application In the form of lotions or gel may be helpful when applied to
the front of the scalp to slow down the hair recession. And such creams
can be used to suppress the immune system and calms the inflammation in
the area it is applied. Injections of steroids may be used if a small area
is affected to contain the furtherance of the condition.
3. Oral Treatment options: Medications to block
the production of the male hormone can be prescribed as it has shown to
reduce hair loss in some women. Low levels of testosterone have been
linked with a different type of hair loss called female/male pattern
baldness but it may cause frontal fibrosing alopecia as well and for such
cases treatment with antiandrogens may be useful. Every treatment
prescribed by our trichologists at Royal Hairnic is up to the latest
studies and up to date with any new research reports of the condition, so
you need not worry as you are always treated by the best.
For additional information or to book an
appointment, you can contact us on