Secondary cicatricial and other permanent alopecias

The document from 2008 provides an overview of secondary cicatricial and other permanent alopecias, which are hair loss conditions caused by damage to the hair follicles due to various factors such as congenital defects, trauma, inflammatory conditions, infections, and neoplasms. It highlights the complexity of diagnosing these conditions, especially in their advanced stages, and the importance of treating the underlying cause to prevent permanent hair loss. Treatments vary depending on the specific condition but may include surgery, hair transplantation, and medical therapies such as Dapsone, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, immunoglobulins, antifungal medications, and systemic steroids. The document also discusses the potential for malignant transformation in some conditions and the use of supportive care to manage symptoms. It suggests that in cases where hair loss is irreversible, options like scalp reduction, hair transplantation, and camouflage techniques may be considered.