Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecias: Hair Loss That Becomes Permanent If Diagnosed Late

Short answer: In scarring alopecias inflammation destroys the follicle and replaces it with scar tissue. Lost hair does not return, so the aim of treatment is to stop progression as early as possible. Any bald area where the follicular openings have disappeared needs a dermatologist promptly.

The main types

• Lichen planopilaris: perifollicular redness and scaling, itching and burning, usually on the crown.

• Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a slowly receding frontal hairline with loss of eyebrows, mostly in women after menopause.

• Folliculitis decalvans: pustules and tufted hairs, predominantly in men.

• Discoid lupus, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and others.

Diagnosis

Trichoscopy shows absent follicular openings, perifollicular scale and specific patterns; a scalp biopsy is usually taken from the active edge to determine the type, because the treatments differ.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory therapy according to the type: potent topical or intralesional steroids, hydroxychloroquine, oral antibiotics with anti-inflammatory action, isotretinoin or immunomodulators. Hair transplantation is considered only after at least one to two years without activity. PRP has no role in active scarring alopecia.

Patients from Bulgaria and Greece

Our practice is in Kırklareli, a short drive from the Bulgarian and Greek borders. Consultation, trichoscopy and the first treatment are usually completed in a single visit; follow-up runs by photo and WhatsApp. See our hair loss treatments page for the overall approach.

Appointments: +90 555 209 09 39 (WhatsApp) · info@drkagancingoz.com · İstasyon Mah. Edirne Cad. No:102, Kırklareli, Türkiye

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More from the hair series: Hair loss treatments · Androgenetic alopecia · Telogen effluvium · Alopecia areata · Scalp diseases · Trichoscopy and hair analysis · Hair PRP · Hair mesotherapy