Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a group of rare but serious conditions that lead to permanent destruction of hair follicles. Unlike non-scarring hair loss, these conditions cause inflammation that damages the follicle structure and replaces it with scar tissue. Because of this, scarring alopecia is classified among permanent hair loss types, meaning that once the follicle is destroyed, it cannot regenerate naturally.

What Causes Scarring Alopecia?

Scarring alopecia can be triggered by autoimmune reactions, infections, or inflammatory skin disorders. One of the most well-known forms is lichen planopilaris hair loss, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing redness, irritation, and eventual follicle destruction.

Common Types of Cicatricial Alopecia

• Lichen planopilaris (LPP)
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

Each type has slightly different characteristics, but all share the same outcome: irreversible follicle damage if untreated.

Scarring Alopecia Treatment

Early scarring alopecia treatment is critical to stop disease progression. The goal is not to regrow hair, but to reduce inflammation and preserve remaining follicles.

Treatment Approaches

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressive therapies

Timely intervention can help prevent further hair loss, even if regrowth is not possible.

Scarring Alopecia Hair Transplant

A scarring alopecia hair transplant may be considered in selected cases, but only when the condition is fully inactive. If inflammation is still present, transplanting hair can fail due to poor scalp conditions and lack of blood supply.

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