Scarring alopecia results in an irreversible hair loss due to an inflammation of the scalp (primary), or an accident (secondary).
Hair follicles are permanently destroyed and can only be treated with surgical or cosmetic solutions.

How to identify scarring alopecia?

Scarring alopecia is defined as hair loss on one or more areas of the scalp. An inflammation is the cause of some scarring alopecia and often results in red patches on the scalp. The hair follicle is destroyed and replaced by a fibrous scar, giving the skin a smooth and shiny appearance. 

Femme souffrant d'une alopécie cicatricielle


What is scarring alopecia?

Scarring alopecia refers to permanent hair loss due to an inflammation of the scalp or the destruction of hair follicles. This destruction can be accidental, congenital, infectious or autoimmune.

In most cases, it is caused by :

  • an accident
  • a burn
  • a radiotherapy of the scalp
  • a bacterial, viral or mycotic infection
  • a skin condition (dermatosis, tumor, amyloidosis, basal cell epithelioma)
  • follicular lichen
  • discoid lupus erythematosus
  • scleroderma
  • a congenital anomaly
  • sarcoidosis
  • scalp aplasia
  • keratosis pilaris (decalcifying or atrophying)


How to address scarring alopecia?

Scarring alopecia is irremediable and there is no medical treatment that can make hair grow back on the affected area.

However, the problem can be corrected either with hair grafts or cosmetic solutions.


Hair grafts

Hair grafts can be considered if the donor area – the occipital area of the scalp – is not affected by scarring alopecia. FUE or FUL (FUT long hair) grafting methods can be used depending on the patient’s case. They allow the correction of alopecia in a definitive and undetectable way.

 

Learn more about hair transplants for scarring alopecia

Restorative trichopigmentation

This medical and semi-permanent micro-tattooing technique realistically mimics hair. Hair dermopigmentation can hide scars on the scalp, whether the patient has a shaved head or long hair.

Learn more about restorative trichopigmentation

Hair systems

For patients with extensive areas of scarring alopecia or who are waiting for a hair graft procedure, a hair system can be a great alternative. Modern hair systems are made from a microporous membrane to which synthetic fibers or human hair have been attached. They are secured to the bald part of the skull and can be washed with shampoo.
 
Learn more about hair systems