Dermatoscopic Features of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

September 2014 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Mariya Miteva, Antonella Tosti

TLDR Researchers found a white halo around hair in most patients with a specific type of hair loss, which helps in early diagnosis and treatment.

In 2014, researchers studied the dermatoscopic features of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) in 51 African American women, using 153 nonpolarized dermatoscopic images. They identified a peripilar white halo around hair emergence in 94% of patients, which was specific and sensitive for diagnosing CCCA. This feature corresponds to lamellar fibrosis on pathology. The study also observed broken hairs in 24% of cases, indicating inflammation and a diagnostic feature of CCCA. Additionally, the alopecic area had a lower terminal to vellus hair ratio than normal. These findings are intended to assist in early detection and treatment of CCCA.

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Hair and Scalp Dermatoscopy

245 citations , November 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dermatoscopy is useful for identifying different hair and scalp conditions and can reduce the need for biopsies.

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 Medical and Environmental Risk Factors for the Development of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

88 citations , August 2011 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Type 2 diabetes, bacterial scalp infections, and tight hairstyles like braids and weaves are linked to a higher risk of a scarring hair loss condition in African American women.

research Prevalence and Etiology of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

19 citations , August 2011 in “Archives of Dermatology”

CCCA is a common scarring hair loss in African descent women, possibly linked to genetics, hair care practices, and health issues like diabetes.

research Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Can Differentiate Dermoscopic White Dots of the Scalp Between Sweat Gland Ducts or Follicular Infundibulum

20 citations , April 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Reflectance confocal microscopy can tell apart white dots on the scalp as either sweat gland ducts or hair follicle openings.

research Corkscrew Hair: A New Dermoscopic Sign for Diagnosis of Tinea Capitis in Black Children

108 citations , March 2011 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Corkscrew hair may be a new sign for quickly diagnosing scalp fungus in black children.

research Central Hair Loss in African American Women: Incidence and Potential Risk Factors

76 citations , February 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some African American women's central scalp hair loss is linked to genetics and past fungal scalp infections, with more research needed on other causes.