TLDR Stopping the use of a tight headband and using specific treatments led to partial hair regrowth.
A 26-year-old woman experienced gradual hair loss over 2 years, diagnosed as alopecia areata, but later identified as traction alopecia (TA) due to prolonged use of a tight elastic headband at work. Physical examination revealed symmetrical ovoid plaques of alopecia in the temporal regions. Despite initial treatment with mometasone and vitamins showing no improvement, cessation of headband use and treatment with clobetasol and minoxidil led to partial hair regrowth after 20 weeks. TA is caused by prolonged tension on hair, often from specific hairstyles, and can progress to irreversible scarring if not addressed. The case highlights the importance of considering hairstyling habits in diagnosing alopecia.
59 citations,
August 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Certain hairstyles and less hair oil use in African American girls can lead to scalp conditions like traction alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis.
27 citations,
September 2008 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Traction may not be the only cause of cicatricial marginal alopecia.
32 citations,
January 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Some babies are born with alopecia areata, and a treatment with clobetasol propionate can regrow hair in half of the cases.
Different scalp and hair disorders are more common in certain ethnic groups, with the most common being androgenetic alopecia, which is treated with medications like minoxidil and finasteride.
23 citations,
October 2020 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Tailored treatments for alopecia areata are recommended based on severity and patient needs.
October 2020 in “Veterinary Dermatology” New treatments and diagnostic methods for various animal skin conditions showed promising results.
January 2016 in “Springer eBooks” Alopecia Areata is an unpredictable autoimmune hair loss condition with limited and variable treatment effectiveness.
