Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)

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.

 

 

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