Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: A Survey of Treatment Practices Among Dermatology Residents and Attending Physicians

September 2025 in “ Cureus ”

Janet Choi, Isabelle Ilan, Jinhui Tian, Eliza Balazic, Christy Nwankwo, Kseniya Kobets

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia topical corticosteroids topical minoxidil intralesional corticosteroids inflammation systemic treatment side effects CCCA Rogaine

TLDR There is no standard treatment for CCCA, and practices vary widely.

The study surveyed 31 dermatology residents and attending physicians to assess treatment practices for Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). Among the 26 respondents who treat CCCA, the most commonly used therapies were topical corticosteroids, topical minoxidil, and intralesional corticosteroids, aligning with literature recommendations to reduce inflammation. However, the preference for topical minoxidil as a first-line treatment by 77.3% of respondents may reflect its accessibility rather than established efficacy. The study highlights variability in treatment practices due to factors like provider comfort and concerns about systemic treatment side effects. It underscores the need for standardized treatment guidelines, as no established standard of care currently exists for CCCA.

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