Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in a Dermatology Referral Center in Bogotá, Colombia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

November 2024 in “ International Journal of Women’s Dermatology ”

Leydi Y. Gallego-Vidales, María Palacios, Paola Andrea Macías-Arias, Camilo Andrés Morales-Cardona

Studysummary In this study of a Colombian sample, the researchers found that while sex, alopecia location, and symptoms aligned with global reports, age at presentation, tobacco use, and use of wigs and dyes were different from those noted in other countries. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study on frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) in Bogotá, Colombia, involved 213 individuals, mainly postmenopausal women with a median age of 60 years. It found a younger median age at diagnosis compared to other regions, suggesting regional differences in disease onset. The study noted a high frequency of eyebrow alopecia and symptoms like perifollicular desquamation, facial papules, and erythema. Hormonal factors related to menopause, with a median menopause age of 45 years, may significantly influence FFA's pathophysiology, potentially linked to premature ovarian insufficiency. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as sunscreen use, were also highlighted, with titanium dioxide proposed as a possible trigger. The study found a lower prevalence of hypothyroidism and identified contact dermatitis as a common comorbidity. Despite limitations like a small sample size, the study provides valuable insights into FFA's impact on Colombian women and sets a baseline for future research.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

20 / 20 results

research Common Contact Allergens Implicated In Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Found In Over-The-Counter Hair Growth Serums And Solutions

3 citations , May 2024 in “International Journal of Women’s Dermatology”

This article discusses the connection between product use, contact dermatitis, and frontal fibrosing alopecia and reports no new findings; the authors emphasize the need for more research to improve patient outcomes.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Observational Single-Center Study of 306 Cases

June 2023 in “Life”

In this retrospective study, researchers at a Spanish hospital found that the severity of frontal fibrosing alopecia, primarily affecting postmenopausal women, was correlated with the duration of the disease, though inflammatory signs were not linked with its progression.

Clinical and Dermoscopic Approaches to Diagnosis of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Results From a Multicenter Study of the International Dermoscopy Society

research Clinical and Dermoscopic Approaches to Diagnosis of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Results From a Multicenter Study of the International Dermoscopy Society

3 citations , February 2022 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

This study found that trichoscopy is an effective noninvasive technique for diagnosing frontal fibrosing alopecia, confirming its valuable role alongside traditional histopathological examination.

research Association of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Contact Allergens in Everyday Skincare Products in Hispanic Females: A Case-Control Study

2 citations , September 2021 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Increased sunscreen use may be linked to frontal fibrosing alopecia in Hispanic females.

research Trichoscopic Evaluation of Frontal Hairline Recession in Egyptian Female Patients

4 citations , February 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia was the most common cause of frontal hairline recession in Egyptian female patients, supporting the use of trichoscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic tool.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of 490 Cases

53 citations , June 2019 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study observed that abnormal hormone levels were associated with lower disease activity in frontal fibrosing alopecia, while thyroid disorders were a common comorbidity among the affected population.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Follow-Up of a Brazilian Group

May 2019 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This study reviewed 38 cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia, observing that diagnosis often occurs years after onset and is more prevalent in postmenopausal women.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Update on the Hypothesis of Pathogenesis and Treatment

38 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

This review discusses potential therapeutic options for frontal fibrosing alopecia by exploring distinct signaling pathways and cellular players, but reports no new clinical findings and emphasizes the need for further trials.

research Frequency of the Types of Alopecia at Twenty-Two Specialist Hair Clinics: A Multicenter Study

56 citations , January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders”

In this multicenter study, androgenetic alopecia was the most common type of alopecia among both men and women attending specialty hair clinics on four continents.

research A Cross-Sectional Study of Rosacea and Risk Factors in Women with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

4 citations , January 2019 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

This study found that women with frontal fibrosing alopecia have a significantly higher prevalence of rosacea compared to controls, particularly those with severe alopecia, and certain factors like perifollicular erythema, higher BMI, and lower progesterone levels were linked to increased rosacea risk.

research Single-Center Analysis of Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Evidence for Hypothyroidism and a Good Quality of Life

9 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of international medical research”

This study found no correlation between the extent of frontal fibrosing alopecia and quality of life, but observed a strong association with thyroid disease in affected women.

research Sunscreen and Facial Skincare Products in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case-Control Study

26 citations , October 2018 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that high frequency use of sunscreen is associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia among women attending a specialist hair clinic in Australia.

research Review of Quality of Life Studies in Women with Alopecia

58 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

This review discusses the psychological impact of alopecia on women and reports no new clinical findings, highlighting the effect on self-esteem and quality of life.

research Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

30 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This correspondence discusses proposed updates to the diagnostic criteria for frontal fibrosing alopecia, emphasizing the importance of differentiating it from other types of alopecia.

research Update on Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

2 citations , April 2017 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

This review discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia, noting the lack of clinical trial data and limited observational treatment results.

research Postmenopausal Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

325 citations , June 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study observed that progressive frontal recession in postmenopausal women may exhibit features of fibrosing alopecia, suggesting a distinct reaction pattern from typical lichen planopilaris.