Excessive hair loss or alopecia is one of those conditions that can stump anyone’s self-esteem right down to ground zero. But what happens when alopecia leaves behind ugly scars? This case is what you call a scarring alopecia and it occurs in 3% of hair loss sufferers.

Scarring alopecia is more formally known as cicatricial alopecia. It is actually a group of hair loss disorders with diagnoses such as lichen planopilaris, dissecting cellulitis, folliculitis decalvans, pseudopelade fo Brocq, lipedematous alopecia and congenital atrichia to name a few. In some cases it can be part of a much serious condition such as chronic lupus erythematosus. Even though it comes through a variety of diagnoses, one thing holds true for all of these, and that it is permanent or irreversible.

Most of the time, in its early stage, scarring alopecia won’t show any symptoms. It then leads to small patches, which gradually expands overtime. It is also very important to make an accurate diagnosis so proper treatment can be given. In fact, a tissue biopsy has to be done in order to really point out the root cause. One or two biopsies that are 2-4mm in size would have to be studied under a microscope, and these histology findings will help determine the exact diagnosis.

The common causes can either be brought by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. These infections are also associated with severe itching, pain, redness or a burning sensation. Sometimes it can even have blisters that contain fluid or pus. Eventually this will lead to rough patches on the scalp’s surface. The appearance will be however be different compared to alopecia areata in that the bald patches are more ragged due to the scarring which is made up of connective tissue and blood vessels.

The presence of inflammatory cells around the hair follicles is believed by most researchers to be the cause of hair loss and the subsequent formation of scar tissue in its place. Some argue on this saying that biopsy results show only small amounts of inflammation.

There are various treatments to scarring alopecia, and as mentioned earlier it can be caused by a number of factors therefore each of the treatments would also vary. It can range from medications, such as topical corticosteroids, antimalarial and isotretinoin drugs to lifestyle changes.

The gradual process of scarring alopecia eventually stops along with all its symptoms. This is often referred to as the end stage to the condition and it then shows the extent of the damage that was done. The burnt-out stage would mean that there is no longer any hair loss for a few years. It is also around this time where another biopsy would have to be done. And usually it would show no inflammation present around the hair follicles.

To make the area look more aesthetically appealing after damage of the condition, procedures such as scalp reduction and hair transplants can be done. This can effectively remove or conceal the bald patches only if the areas are not too big. For a hair transplant, hair follicles from unaffected areas will be used.

If you are troubled with the embarrassing and devastating effects of scarring alopecia, you can get a good hair transplant surgery to conceal the problem at the Hair and Laser Clinic. We are headed by one of the renowned hair transplant specialist in Singapore, Dr. Tyng Tan. Hair restoration Singapore will definitely have a safe and successful chance at hair transplant.

Dr Tyng Tan is the clinical director of The Hair & Laser Clinic, a Singapore-based clinic specializing in medical aesthetics and fue hair transplant (http://www.hairandlaserclinic.com/).

Author Bio: If you are troubled with the embarrassing and devastating effects of scarring alopecia, you can get a good hair transplant surgery to conceal the problem at the Hair and Laser Clinic. We are headed by one of the renowned hair transplant specialist in Singapore, Dr. Tyng Tan. Hair restoration Singapore will definitely have a safe and successful chance at hair transplant.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: scarring alopecia,hair loss treatment,baldness,hair transplant singapore,hair loss