Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: New Insights and a Call for Action

September 2017 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings ”

Ncoza C. Dlova, Kimberly S. Salkey, Valerie D. Callender, Amy J. McMichael

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia CCCA hair loss genetic inheritance traction-inducing hairstyling hair chemicals inflammation scarring process scarring alopecia scarring hair loss genetic hair loss traction hair loss hair styling chemicals

TLDR Hair loss in black women needs more research, early intervention, and community education.

The article discusses Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), a type of hair loss that primarily affects black women. The cause of CCCA is not fully understood, but genetic inheritance, traction-inducing hairstyling practices, and hair chemicals are believed to be aggravating factors. Treatment is aimed at suppressing and preventing inflammation to slow down and stop the scarring process. The article emphasizes the importance of considering quality of life in patients with CCCA and suggests community engagement with hair stylists and beauty salons as an effective way to educate patients on the identification of scarring alopecia and promote early intervention. Future research with more patients and focusing on the genetics of CCCA may prove useful in fully understanding the etiology of the disease.

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Research cited in this study

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research Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: Challenges and Solutions

37 citations, August 2016 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

The document concludes that better treatments for CCCA are needed and more research is required to understand its causes related to hairstyling and genetics.

research Factors Affecting the Severity of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

29 citations, January 2016 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Longer hair loss leads to more severe CCCA; early treatment and avoiding damaging hairstyles help regrowth.

research Quality of Life in South African Black Women with Alopecia: A Pilot Study

16 citations, November 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia greatly lowers the quality of life for South African Black women, especially affecting their self-image and social interactions.

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New treatments for skin and hair disorders in women of color address unique biological differences and include specific acne medications, sunscreens, skin lighteners, and hair care adjustments.

research Hair Transplantation in the Surgical Treatment of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

25 citations, September 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair transplants can effectively treat hair loss from CCCA in African American women if there's no inflammation.

research Advances and Challenges in Hair Restoration of Curly Afrocentric Hair

8 citations, March 2014 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Specialized techniques are needed for hair restoration in individuals with curly Afrocentric hair due to unique challenges.

research Hair Breakage as a Presenting Sign of Early or Occult Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

44 citations, September 2012 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Hair breakage may be an early sign of a hair loss condition called CCCA in African American women.

research Central Scalp Alopecia Photographic Scale in African American Women

46 citations, July 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

A scale was made to measure hair loss severity in African American women.

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community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

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research Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: Challenges and Solutions

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