Is scarring hair loss a permanent hair loss?

Many skin conditions can lead to scarring. When the skin gets scarred, hair follicles in the skin are replaced by scar tissue permanently. This is known as scarring hair loss or cicatrical alopecia. Hair loss over such area is permanent and irreversible. Scarring hair loss can affect both men and women and people across all ages. In some cases, it forms slowly, in other instances; it may appear instantaneously, following a scalp injury.

Tell tale Signs:

• Hair loss after parlour and other cosmetic procedures.
• Hair loss, after scalp injury or damage.
• Itching, burning, pain and tenderness of the scalp before a bald patch appears.
• Redness in the affected area; there may also be pustules.
• Skin loses its texture and shine in the affected area.
• Skin in affected area may be hard to touch or may be discoloured.

If you have 2 or more of the following complaints, you may most likely have scarring hair loss.

The condition typically occurs when the hair follicle is destroyed and is replaced with scar tissue. Put simply, just about any injury or infection of the scalp can lead to a scar tissue. In like manner, scarring hair loss can be triggered by the use of chemical relaxers, perms and hair colour that contains bleach.

Some skin conditions that can trigger scarring hair loss are as follows:

• Lichen Planopilaris: This condition is marked by purplish, raised, itchy, flat-topped lesions that heal with a scar.
• DLE (Discoid Lupus Erythematosus): This is marked by irregular patches of dark and pale white skin, along with redness, scales, scarring and hair follicles devoid of hair.
• Kerion: Raised spongy lesions on the scalp with pus discharge. These are formed in response to a fungal infection of the hair follicle.

Scarring hair loss may also result as a ‘secondary’ response to any of the following:

• Acne (Pimples) can affect the scalp also. This is more common at the back of the scalp.
• Injury to the scalp.
• Parlor burns: From hair dyes and chemicals used on the scalp or severe local burns from heating instruments in the parlour. This is quite common; it is also easily avoidable.

Your trichologist will examine your scalp to check for any scarring. In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Will my hair ever grow back?

Hair will not regrow once the follicle is destroyed. However, with the help of homoeopathy it is possible to treat and / or control further deterioration. It is therefore important to begin treatment as early as possible to control the inflammatory process, although the progression of scarring hair loss is erratic.

In some cases, progression is slow, in others; progression can be rapid and widespread.

Most often, there is sufficient hair remaining to cover the affected scalp areas.

In certain instances, the hair loss may be extensive. This may call for the use of a wig.

Self-help:

Counselling may be required in certain cases for recognition and acceptance of permanent hair loss and wig use.

Apply a small quantity of the product on a small patch of your skin, preferably behind ears, or nape of neck, or inner side of the elbow. Wait for 15minutes and then wash off. Watch for signs of inflammation or allergy, such as redness, itching or rash.

Avoid the use of blow dryers and hair irons, or use them with extreme care; evade any kind of accidental contact with the scalp.