Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) Under the Scope: Histological Similarities Between CCCA and Lichen Planopilaris
Studysummary This case report suggests that in African-American patients, the histology of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia may resemble lichen planopilaris, indicating a potential diagnostic challenge. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The document discussed Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), a form of hair loss prevalent among African-American women, often linked to genetic factors and haircare practices. Histologically, CCCA is marked by premature inner root sheath degeneration and hair shaft migration through the outer root sheath, with perifollicular infiltrate and fibrosis. A case of a 16-year-old African-American female with a 4-year history of hair loss, diagnosed with CCCA, revealed histological similarities to lichen planopilaris upon repeat biopsy. This case underscored that CCCA and lichen planopilaris might be histologically indistinguishable in African-American patients.
