A group of hair loss disorders where inflammation destroys follicles and can cause permanent loss.
Scarring alopecia, also called cicatricial alopecia, is important because the follicle can be permanently destroyed. Clues include redness, scale, pustules, pain, burning, itching, smooth shiny skin, and loss of follicular openings. The priority is not “regrowth” at first; it is stopping inflammation before more follicles are lost. Diagnosis often requires trichoscopy and a scalp biopsy from an active edge. Treatment depends on the subtype and may include topical, injected or oral anti-inflammatory medicines. Early referral is sensible when scarring alopecia is suspected.
DermNet: Trichoscopy of generalised noncicatricial hair loss — https://dermnetnz.org/topics/trichoscopy-of-generalised-noncicatricial-hair-loss; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 1, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76111-0; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 2, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08057-9
