50-Year-Old Female with a Burning Scalp and Hair Loss
January 2022
in “
Clinical Cases in Dermatology
”
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia scarring alopecia lymphocytic alopecia vertex of the scalp follicular pores inflammatory response dermatoscopic findings biopsy corticosteroids tetracyclines minocycline calcineurin inhibitors anti-seborrheic shampoos minoxidil apremilast gabapentin clobetasol propionate JAK inhibitors hair transplants camouflaging hair pieces wigs scalp micropigmentation CCCA Rogaine hair transplant
TLDR A condition called Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia causes hair loss and scalp burning in middle-aged African women, and it's treated with various medications, hair transplants, and non-drug methods like wigs.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a primary, scarring, lymphocytic alopecia that primarily affects middle-aged females of African descent. The hair loss pattern begins at the vertex of the scalp and progresses in a symmetric centrifugal pattern, leading to irreversible scarring and loss of follicular pores. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by genetics, grooming habits, and environmental factors that trigger an inflammatory response leading to scarring. Diagnosis is made through clinical presentation and characteristic dermatoscopic findings, with possible use of biopsy. Management includes early intervention with medications, patient education, and psychosocial support. Topical treatments include corticosteroids, tetracyclines, minocycline, calcineurin inhibitors, anti-seborrheic shampoos, and minoxidil. Other treatments being explored include apremilast, gabapentin, clobetasol propionate, and JAK inhibitors. Invasive procedures like hair transplants are considered last-line therapy. Non-pharmacological methods such as camouflaging with hair pieces, wigs, and scalp micropigmentation can also be beneficial.
