Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial or scarring alopecia comprises diverse groups of scalp disorders that result in permanent hair loss. This destructive process can occur as a primary or secondary cicatricial alopecia.

There are two Main Types of Cicatricial Alopecia 1

There are Two Main Types of Cicatricial Alopecia

Primary cicatricial alopecia: This is a group of idiopathic (unknown cause) inflammatory processes that attack the hair follicles, leading to their destruction.

Secondary cicatricial alopecia: This type is caused by external factors that damage the scalp and hair follicles. These factors can include:

Regardless of the type, cicatricial alopecia leads to the replacement of healthy hair follicles with scar tissue. Because of this scarring, hair cannot regrow in the affected areas.

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Symptoms Of Cicatricial Alopecia

Hair loss that may develop slowly over years, potentially with few noticeable symptoms

Rapid hair loss that progresses over months in some individuals

Burning and itching of the scalp

Redness of the affected areas

Scaling or the presence of pustules on the scalp.

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Treatment For Cicatricial Alopecia

  • Medications

    Corticosteroids, either applied topically or taken orally, may help reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of the condition. Other medications such as antibiotics or antimalarials may also be prescribed in certain cases. Minoxidil 2% solution has shown to be effective, but hair transplant is the best treatment.

  • Immunomodulators

    Drugs that suppress the immune system may be used to control the inflammatory response causing hair loss, such as cyclosporine or methotrexate.

  • Laser therapy

    Low-level laser therapy is sometimes used to stimulate hair growth in the affected areas.

    Hair transplantation: In some cases, hair transplantation may be an option to restore hair in areas of scarring that are stable.

  • Supportive care

    Managing symptoms, such as using medicated shampoos or topical corticosteroids to relieve itching and prevent infection, is important.

Choosing Hairfree and Hairgrow for Hair Transplant will provide you 100% results and you will surely get rid of hair loss within a short period.

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FAQ

Cicatricial alopecia, or scarring alopecia, is a rare type of hair loss where inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, making regrowth impossible. Unlike more common forms like androgenetic alopecia, this condition causes permanent hair loss if not treated early. Timely diagnosis is the key to preserving hair.

It can be triggered by autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, or inflammatory skin conditions like lichen planopilaris or lupus. In some cases, external injuries like burns or chemical exposure may also lead to scarring. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing irreversible follicle damage over time.

Sadly, cicatricial alopecia is usually permanent due to scarring that destroys the hair follicles. But early medical care can slow or stop the damage. Treating inflammation promptly gives you the best chance to keep your remaining hair, even if full regrowth in scarred areas isn’t possible.

You might notice patchy hair loss, scalp redness, itching, burning, or tenderness. In some cases, the scalp may feel tight, smooth, or develop visible scarring. If your hair is thinning rapidly or your scalp feels irritated, it’s wise to consult a hair specialist without delay.

There’s no absolute cure, but treatment can control inflammation, ease discomfort, and slow hair loss. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressive medications. While regrowing hair in scarred areas is rare, early and consistent care can help preserve what’s left and prevent worsening.

At Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic, we offer customized treatments based on your diagnosis. This may include corticosteroid injections, oral medications, PRP therapy, or topical solutions to reduce inflammation. If your condition becomes stable, hair transplantation could be considered after careful evaluation by our specialists.

Diagnosis begins with a scalp examination and medical history review. A scalp biopsy is often done to confirm scarring and identify the cause. Your doctor may also use dermoscopy to look at follicle patterns or order blood tests to rule out autoimmune conditions. The sooner it’s caught, the better.

Yes, it can affect both genders, though some types are more common in women—like frontal fibrosing alopecia, especially after menopause. Factors like hormones, autoimmune disorders, and genetics may influence risk. Regardless of gender, early treatment helps everyone protect their hair and scalp health.

Hair transplant is possible—but only when the condition is stable and inactive for at least a year. Scarred scalp areas need to have good blood flow and tissue health for grafts to survive. At Hairfree & Hairgrow, we evaluate every case carefully before recommending surgery for best results.

Be gentle with your scalp. Use mild shampoos, avoid harsh chemicals or heat styling, and always protect your scalp from the sun. A healthy diet and stress control can help manage flare-ups. Most importantly, stay in touch with your doctor for regular check-ups and early intervention when needed.

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