Lupus Alopecia, Lupus Erythematosus, Cicatricial Alopecia and Scarring Hair Loss
Lupus Alopecia : Besides male patterned baldness, there are dermatological conditions that can cause hair loss. Many of these conditions are inflammatory in nature. Some conditions, if not recognized and treated early, could result in scarring with permanent hair loss. One such condition is known as lupus erythematosus . Hair loss with scarring (cicatricial alopecia) is often the result of this condition, and if it is left unchecked, it could lead to disfiguring lesions, especially in the scalp and face.
To understand this specific condition of lupus better, cicatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, is hair loss that occurs in areas where there is scarring or other tissue damage that destroys the hair follicles. In other words, the term “cicatricial alopecia” refers to a diverse group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. Scarring alopecia divides into two categories: primary and secondary.
In primary scarring alopecia, the hair follicle is the main target of inflammation. In secondary cicatricial alopecias, destruction of the hair follicle is incidental to a non-follicle-directed process or external injury, such as severe infections, burns, radiation, or tumors. The hair follicle is regarded as an “innocent bystander” as it is destroyed in a non-specific manner by skin inflammation. For both the clinician and the pathologist, identifying the particular forms of primary scarring alopecia and making a diagnosis can be rather challenging.
In some cases, hair loss is gradual, without symptoms, and is unnoticed for long periods of time. In other cases, hair loss is associated with severe itching, burning and pain and is rapidly progressive. The inflammation that destroys the follicle is below the skin surface and there is usually no scar seen on the scalp. Affected areas of the scalp may show little signs of inflammation, or have redness, scaling, increased or decreased pigmentation, pustules, or draining sinuses.
Cicatricial alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy men and women of all ages worldwide. A scalp biopsy and clinical evaluation will help arrive at the diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia. The scalp biopsy is necessary for a proper diagnosis of the type of cicatricial alopecia. It is also used to determine the degree of activity, and to select appropriate therapy.
Dr. Sanusi Umar is a board certified dermatologist and hair surgeon with extensive experience in conducting scalp biopsies and determining the correct therapy for different cases of hair loss. Visit this link on our website for a detailed account of how a case of cicatricial alopecia resulting from lupus erythematosus was managed successfully. Please call our clinic at (310)318-1500 or visit https://www.dermhairclinic.com/ for more information.
Lupus Alopecia Before and After Hair Restoration by UGraft FUE Photos
Lupus patients with enough donor hair to create cosmetically acceptable results may qualify for hair transplant procedures like Follicular Unit Extraction.
