CCCA can also result from too much tension on hair follicles from braids, weaves or extensions. But some research suggests that CCCA might be hereditary. Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE): CCLE describes skin problems caused by lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease.
Various hairstyling practices have been studied as potentially causing CCCA, but none has been definitively linked to the condition. A combination of factors such as infections (bacterial and fungal), genetics, autoimmune disease, and other unknown factors may play a role in this disease.
CCCA typically begins as a slight patch of hair thinning on the midline of the crown (top) of the scalp. Over time, the patch expands outwards in all directions (described as a centrifugal pattern) and the severity of hair loss increases, with the most severe hair loss remaining in the center.
Treatments for CCCA
Minoxidil might help stimulate hair growth from follicles that are not scarred from CCCA. You must take a medication that gets rid of inflammation, along with Minoxidil, to stop hair loss.
A common cause of scalp inflammation is seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause red, scaly patches that develop on your scalp. Other conditions that can cause inflammation are folliculitis and ringworm (tinea capitis). Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales.
Can CCCA be reversed? You may be able to reverse (or grow some hair) if you treat CCCA early before hair follicles develop scars. Once a hair follicle scars completely, treatment to regrow hair becomes difficult and hair loss is more likely to be permanent.
Testing for vitamin D deficiency should be considered in patients with alopecia due to its high prevalence. While supplementation is controversial, we recommend giving cholecalciferol 50,000 IU once weekly for 12 weeks followed by 2,000 IU daily.
Indeed, CCCA itch is often accompanied by burning, tenderness and/or pricking sensations1,2 that appear to correspond to sensations accompanying cowhage-induced itch. Cowhage spicules elicit itch by stimulating protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 in the skin.
These results support previous findings showing hair regrowth with topical metformin in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Metformin's potential to reduce fibrosis and inflammation may explain its therapeutic effects in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and other fibrotic hair loss disorders.
So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.
Noticeable hair loss: Center of the scalp
The first sign is usually noticeable hair loss in the center of the scalp. This is why you see the word “central” in the name. Instead of developing one patch in the center of the scalp, a few people with CCCA develop scattered patches of hair loss on their scalp.
Oral doxycycline (or other tetracycline antibiotics) up to 200 mg per d is appropriate (alone or in combination) up to 6 mo in the treatment of adults with active CCCA. Oral antibiotics are appropriate (alone or in combination) for treatment of adults with active CCCA.
Scarring alopecia (scalp discoid lupus erythematosus) can be the presenting manifestation of lupus in more than half of affected individuals.
Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, B7 are usually associated with a flaky scalp. A deficiency of these vitamins can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation. Vitamin B and Zinc also play an integral role in boosting your immune system to counter dandruff like ailments.
While ACV is scientifically proven to help with dry scalp and dry hair, it doesn't have the backing for treating conditions like androgenic alopecia (AKA male pattern baldness).
The exact cause of CCCA is unknown and is likely multifactorial. A genetic component has been suggested, with a link to mutations of the gene PADI3, which encodes peptidyl arginine deiminase, type III (PADI3), an enzyme that modifies proteins that are essential to formation of the hair-shaft.
Immunosuppressants and topical and intralesional steroids are used to stop inflammation and fibrotic activity in patients with CCCA, though these drugs are not specific.
Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and 5-α reductase inhibitors are among first-line treatment options for scarring hair loss. Additional medications, including pioglitazone, are considered as adjuvant therapies when first-line therapies fail to control disease progression and alleviate symptoms.
Treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth. The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). Alternatives might be used if griseofulvin isn't working or your child is allergic to it.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your body. Your immune system attacks your hair follicles because it thinks they're foreign invaders — bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi — that cause infection, illness and disease.