Androgenetic alopecia (more frequently referred to as female or male pattern baldness) may be the most widely regarded type of alopecia – it’s responsible for around 50% of hair loss in males aged 50 or over and an estimated 50% of cases in women over the age of 65 according to Alopecia UK. Yet, it isn’t the only type of alopecia.
There are in fact several types of alopecia, each of which is categorised as non-scarring or scarring. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the latter to give you a better understanding of your own hair loss journey.
What exactly is scarring alopecia?
Officially known as cicatricial alopecia, scarring alopecia is an overarching term used to describe a selection of conditions that destroy the hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue. Scarring alopecia typically starts with the inflammation of the upper part of the follicle, where the stem cells and sebaceous glands are found.
This inflammation eventually causes the complete and permanent destruction of the follicle, which is later replaced with scar tissue.
Unfortunately, there is still much research to be done to establish the exact cause of scarring alopecia conditions. It’s thought that there is a combination of factors that contribute to its development, including genetic, environmental and immune system issues.
How does scarring alopecia differ from non-scarring?
With non-scarring alopecia, such as alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, hair follicles remain intact, making the hair loss it causes typically temporary and reversible.
Unlike non-scarring alopecia, scarring alopecia involves the permanent destruction of follicles. Once the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue, it simply can’t regenerate, leading to irreversible hair loss. This makes early diagnosis and treatment crucial to managing scarring alopecia conditions.
Whether your alopecia is diagnosed as scarring or non-scarring, living with this condition can be a challenge. Read our essential guide to living with alopecia for further advice and support.
What conditions are classed as ‘scarring’?
Lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus are just two of the conditions that result in scarring alopecia. It is important to note that these conditions are rare. Some people are more at risk of developing certain types of scarring alopecia than others however.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) for example is predominantly seen in people of African descent. Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is another type of scarring alopecia that affects certain individuals as HealthCentral details:
“Experts around the globe are reporting record breaking numbers of FFA cases over the past decade, particularly among Caucasian women. Trouble is, they don’t know what’s causing the skyrocketing rates, although some research shows a possible connection to the autoimmune disorders lupus and hypothyroidism.”
Postmenopausal women have also been found to be most at risk of developing FFA, and experiencing the hair loss that develops along the hairline and eyebrows as a result.
Can scarring alopecia be treated?
While the hair loss caused by scarring alopecia is permanent, with early intervention, treatment to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and prevent further damage can be explored.
Medication – such as topical corticosteroids, oral antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs – can work to reduce inflammation and regulate a sufferer’s immune response. Antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine are also often prescribed in cases of scarring alopecia.
Changing your hair care habits can have a positive impact too. Enrich hair and scalp health with a gentler routine, avoiding harsh chemicals and minimising heat styling to ease symptoms and prevent damage. Managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding known triggers can help control symptoms and improve overall health.
Many scarring alopecia sufferers wear wigs to not just conceal hair loss and thinning, but act as a protective style, and you can too. Shop our full range of wigs today for more inspiration.
