What′s new in cicatricial alopecia?

Abstract

Scalp hairs complete the body self-image and patients with alopecia suffer from overt disfiguration, leading to psychosocial embarrassment and significant lack of self-esteem. Hence an early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment in the case of active hair loss are crucial in the management of scarring alopecia. This review presents a comprehensive study of newer theories in aetiopathogenesis, evolving diagnostic modalities and a step ladder approach in management of primary cicatricial alopecia.

Clinical features of primary cicatricial alopecia in Chinese patients

“…[13,15] Dermatoscopic appearances in alopecia mucinosa have been described as erythematous, well-defined, indurated plaques with prominent follicular openings and loss of hair. [13,15] However, we observed retention of follicular openings, which were patulous, in our patients of alopecia mucinosa. Patulous follicular openings were a unique feature of alopecia mucinosa and we propose this as a diagnostic dermatoscopic sign of alopecia mucinosa.…”

“…[7] Discoid lupus erythematosus and lichen planopilaris were the most common causes important clues for correct diagnosis and biopsy localization. [13,14] Dermatoscopy of scarring alopecia is characterized by decreased hair density and loss of follicular openings in almost 100% cases. [13,15] Dermatoscopic appearances in alopecia mucinosa have been described as erythematous, well-defined, indurated plaques with prominent follicular openings and loss of hair.…”

“…[13,14] Dermatoscopy of scarring alopecia is characterized by decreased hair density and loss of follicular openings in almost 100% cases. [13,15] Dermatoscopic appearances in alopecia mucinosa have been described as erythematous, well-defined, indurated plaques with prominent follicular openings and loss of hair. [13,15] However, we observed retention of follicular openings, which were patulous, in our patients of alopecia mucinosa.…”

Body to scalp: Evolving trends in body hair transplantation

“…[39] The success of hair transplantation in cicatricial alopecia is limited by various reasons like disproportionate donor-recipient area ratio, decreased survival of hair grafts in scarred area due to compromised vascular supply, and relapses of the disease process leading to new areas of scarring alopecia. [40] Pretreatment with minoxidil 5% started at least 15 days prior and continued up to a year afterwards can be done with the aim to improve vascularity and improve graft yield. It is prudent to do a test grafting in a limited area in cicatricial alopecia to check for successful uptake and survival of grafts; as well as disease activity in case of primary cicatricial alopecia before undertaking the complete restoration procedure.…”

Trichopsychodermatology: The Psychiatric and Psychosocial Aspects of Hair Disorders

“…Primary cicatricial alopecia is an inflammatory disorder that causes the permanent destruction of hair follicles, thus leading to irreversible hair loss. The less common secondary form is typically a result of infection or a form of trauma such as burns or radiation (Dogra & Sarangal, 2013). A diagnosis can be made from an examination of lesions and hair pull test, although scalp biopsy from the center of a lesion is often used as confirmation.…”