Is there treatment for cicatricial alopecia?

Scarring alopecia is a hair disorder that damages hair follicles and sebaceous—pilosebaceous—glands, converting the hair follicle growth area into dead, scarred tissue. Among the groups of female and male alopecia, it has a lower incidence rate, although around 5% of affected individuals suffer from this condition, causing concern due to the permanent baldness it induces.

In Spain, the number of detected cases in both men and women is similar and spans a wide range of ages. Given that this hair disorder is caused by various factors, the data is understandable. It affects both males and females, from newborns to the elderly.

Causes of scarring alopecia

The causes that lead to the disorder are varied but can be grouped with a common origin into two categories. Thus, we discover that there are scarring alopecias caused by the breaking of the hair follicle due to direct trauma or injury, and others result from external processes that progress to destroy the hair follicle mass.

The first group of scarring alopecias includes all disorders caused by injuries, infections, and traumas on parts of the head where hair follicles are present, and therefore root and hair bulb areas where healthy hair grows. Any process that acts on the follicular mass with traumas, wounds, stitches, scalp manipulation, etc., can cause scarring and permanent destruction of hair growth.

The second group of scarring alopecias encompasses diseases and ailments that initially do not affect the hair but, ultimately, when they progress, lead to permanent hair loss. This second group of scarring alopecias is characterized by the destruction of sebaceous glands and stem cells dedicated to producing hair follicles and new hair. One of the reasons why stem cell treatment for hair and alopecia is being studied is to promote and regrow hair or, at least, strengthen existing hair.

Hereditary, infectious, viral diseases, and disorders affecting the scalp skin are some examples of scarring alopecia caused by scar tissue.

Below, we indicate how this type of scarring alopecia is classified.

Since any type of baldness is a stigma in society, individuals affected by this condition seek remedies to stop alopecia.

Treatment

As we have discussed the causes of scarring alopecia and since hair follicles are destroyed, there is no treatment that promotes hair growth. Instead, the best method to alleviate the symptoms of this disorder is hair transplantation.

Although not a treatment per se, it can indeed improve the outcomes of this condition. This process can be a good alternative and permanent solution.

Hair transplantation or hair grafts are a safe route to regrow hair in areas damaged by scarring alopecia. For this, it is necessary to conduct a study of each patient to analyze if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Results

Once it is confirmed that the patient is a viable candidate for treatment with hair surgery techniques, the results are promising. Although individuals with scarring alopecia have a lower survival rate of hair follicles in hair transplants, the success rate of hair transplantation is very high. While some of the implanted follicular units die within a few days, the rest root and grow strong and normally after a few months.

Hair surgery is a treatment for scarring alopecia that requires time. Once the initial period has passed, the hair grips firmly and begins to grow with the same exuberance as the rest. The final result is that the patient feels better because the scars are covered with hair, gains self-esteem, and starts to socialize, forgetting any possible traumas caused by the disorder.

Prices

The hair transplant and its prices for treating scarring alopecia are the same as for other types of baldness that can be treated with hair transplants. In any case, the affected area needs to be evaluated, its extent measured, and the amount of hair needed to achieve a natural look assessed. Therefore, a comprehensive hair study analyzing both the donor and recipient areas of the patient is required.

If you have these symptoms and want to improve them, we encourage you to consult with a specialized hair clinic. The difference can be significant, and the improvement in quality of life surprising.