TLDR Ingrown hairs are a common feature in scarring alopecias due to follicular damage.
The document reports a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with primary scarring alopecia who presented with ingrown hairs observed through trichoscopy, a noninvasive technique for evaluating hair loss. The patients included 7 males and 13 females, with 8 of African descent and 12 Caucasian. Trichoscopy-guided biopsies in 4 cases showed hair follicles with thinned outer root sheaths transfixed by hair shafts, associated with a giant foreign body type reaction. The study suggests that the inflammation in primary scarring alopecias may lead to thinning of root sheaths, causing hair shafts to enter the dermis and provoke a foreign body reaction. This feature of ingrown hairs was not observed in 30 patients with non-cicatricial alopecias. The authors conclude that follicular damage in scarring alopecias is responsible for the recurrent finding of ingrown hairs, but acknowledge the study's limitations due to its retrospective nature and small sample size, suggesting the need for further research to determine the exact frequency of this feature in scarring alopecias.
95 citations,
November 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Treatments for permanent hair loss from scarring aim to stop further loss, not regrow hair, and vary by condition, with partial success common.
69 citations,
January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” Trichoscopy is a quick, noninvasive method to diagnose hair and scalp disorders, often reducing the need for biopsies.
62 citations,
March 2012 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Using dermoscopy to guide scalp biopsies is an effective way to diagnose cicatricial alopecia.
245 citations,
March 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.
30 citations,
May 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” The conclusion is that better understanding and more research are needed to effectively manage follicular and scarring disorders in skin of color, with an emphasis on patient education and cultural awareness.
January 2017 in “Springer eBooks” The document explains various skin conditions and their treatments.
23 citations,
April 2018 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Permanent hair loss from cicatricial alopecia is treated by reducing inflammation and managing symptoms, but regrowth in scarred areas is unlikely.
7 citations,
December 2008 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” The document concludes that various childhood hair and nail disorders exist, some may improve on their own, and advances in genetics and immunology could enhance treatment and counseling.
18 citations,
July 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Trichoscopy helps diagnose hair and scalp disorders in dark-skinned people by identifying unique patterns.
