TLDR Frontal fibrosing alopecia causes hair loss along the frontal hairline, mainly in postmenopausal women, and needs better treatments.
The article defines frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) as a type of scarring alopecia marked by progressive hair loss along the frontal hairline, predominantly in postmenopausal women. It presents two clinical cases, emphasizing diagnostic challenges and the reliance on histopathology, despite its limitations. The similarity between FFA and lichen planopilaris (LPP) complicates differential diagnosis. Current treatments, often borrowed from LPP protocols, include antimalarials and corticosteroids, but are not well-defined. The article calls for increased awareness and further research into effective treatments for FFA.
1 citations
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June 2022 in “PubMed” Alopecia causes hair loss and should be treated early, especially scarring types where hair cannot regrow.
2 citations
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February 2021 in “The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology” Understanding the cause of bitemporal hair loss is key to deciding the right treatment.
47 citations
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January 2021 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The document concludes that understanding and treating hair loss requires recognizing its various types and using appropriate diagnostic tools and treatments.
9 citations
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January 2020 in “Skin appendage disorders” Hair loss from conditions like LPP and FFA can potentially be reversed with the right treatment.
27 citations
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September 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Hair transplantation may work for some types of scarring alopecia, but results vary and more research is needed.
20 citations
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January 2016 in “Intractable & Rare Diseases Research” Combination therapy, especially with finasteride, is effective for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia.
28 citations
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September 1998 in “Medical Clinics of North America” Most hair loss can be diagnosed with patient history and physical exam, and a few common types make up most cases.
