A scarring alopecia that usually begins at the crown and spreads outwards.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, often shortened to CCCA, is a scarring hair loss condition that classically starts around the crown or vertex and spreads outwards. It is seen more commonly in women of African descent, although it can occur in other groups. Symptoms may include tenderness, itching, burning or scalp scale. The cause is not fully understood and may involve genetic susceptibility, inflammation and hair-care practices. Early diagnosis is crucial because destroyed follicles cannot regrow. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and protect remaining follicles.
Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 2, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08057-9; Starace M et al. Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Diagnosis and Management, Am J Clin Dermatol, 2020 — https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-019-00479-x