Cicatricial alopecia, popularly known as Scarring alopecia, is a form of inflammatory hair loss or baldness. It causes bald spots on the scalp due to irreversible damage to hair follicles. The underlying tissues in and around the hair are damaged or scarred, and fibrous tissue replaces them. Hair cannot regrow once the hair follicles have been damaged. Scarring alopecia often begins as a non-scarring variant of Alopecia that gradually evolves into permanent or irreversible baldness.

Scarring Alopecia is a kind of baldness caused by hair follicle damage. Scarring alopecia affects around 3 to 7 percent of average healthy men and women. People who go bald as a result of scarring alopecia generally experience a great deal of grief because there is no way to rejuvenate or regenerate their hair. However, alopecia scarring is not infectious and can affect anyone.

It’s natural to lose 50-100 hairs on your scalp each day, but what if you lose more? Hair loss can range from modest thinning to receding hairlines and complete baldness. Hair loss can occur on the scalp or across the body. There are different reasons for hair loss, and it is critical to understand what is causing hair loss in order to cure it. This page describes the causes of scarring alopecia, as well as its symptoms, types, and scarring alopecia natural remedies available.

What is Scarring Alopecia?

Scarring, also known as cicatricial Alopecia, is an inflammatory disorder that causes scarring and permanent hair loss by destroying hair follicles.

Scarring alopecia is a common disorder that affects both men and women. If hair loss progresses to baldness, it suggests the existence of a severe hair disorder. Scarring Alopecia is a rare group of diseases that can lead to permanent baldness and is experienced by 3% of people who suffer from hair loss. Because it affects both men and women of various ages and ethnicities, early detection aids in averting possibly lasting harm.

Genetics and age are the most prevalent causes of hair loss. By the age of 35, two-thirds of males have some degree of hair loss or baldness. Eighty-five percent of males suffer noticeable hair loss by the age of 50. By the age of 50, Alopecia affects 40% of women. Depending on the reason, there are several treatment options for hair loss. Examples of these are shampoos, topical medications, hair transplant surgery, and natural therapies.

Types of Scarring Alopecia

Types of Scarring Alopecia

Types of Scarring Alopecia

Scarring Alopecia is classified into two types:

  • Primary Scarring Alopecia

The hair follicle is disrupted, and fibrous tissue replaces it, killing the stem cells in the hair root. The follicle is the primary focus and the source of the condition. Primary Scarring Alopecia is classified into three types: lymphocytic, neutrophilic, and mixed cicatricial. Central Centrifugal Alopecia (CCCA), Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA), Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), Pseudopelade, and folliculitis decalvans (FD) are more examples.

  • Permanent Scarring Alopecia or (CA)

Also known as secondary cicatricial Alopecia, this disorder causes external factors to harm the hair follicle. For example, straightening irons, hot combs, chemical straightening, radiation, and incidents involving scalp trauma may all cause damage.

What Are the Causes of Alopecia Scarring?

The exact etiology of cicatricial Alopecia is unknown. What is known is that the top section of the hair follicle experiences redness, heat, discomfort, or swelling. That is where stem cells and sebaceous (oil) glands are found. Stem cells are cells that can differentiate into other types of cells. The hair follicle cannot recover if the stem cells and oil glands are damaged and the hair is permanently gone.

Scarring alopecia may sometimes be part of a much bigger illness, such as chronic lupus erythematosus, which can damage numerous organs of the body.

While there are many different types of scarring alopecia, the unifying thread is the likely permanent and irreversible death of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue.

The majority of scarring alopecias begin as tiny patches of hair loss that may spread over time. In certain circumstances, hair loss occurs gradually and without obvious signs and may go undiagnosed for a long period. However, in some cases, the hair loss is accompanied by intense itching, burning, and discomfort and progresses swiftly.

Scarring alopecia patches differ from alopecia areata in that the borders of the bald patches seem more “ragged.” Because the hair follicle is destroyed under the skin’s surface, there may not be much to notice on the scalp’s skin surface other than patchy hair loss. Affected regions may be smooth and clean or have redness, scaling, increased or reduced pigmentation, or elevated blisters with fluids or pus draining from them.

The following are some possible causes of Scarring Alopecia:

  • Hair follicle stems cell destruction.
  • Inflammation as a result of injuries, tumors, or burns
  • Certain genetic markers, such as CCCA, impact numerous women of African descent from the same family.
  • Changes in lipid metabolism

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Scarring Alopecia?

Because Scarring Alopecia can cause irreversible hair damage, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. To detect this illness, search for the following symptoms:

  • Scalp itching, burning, discomfort, and tenderness
  • Scalp and hair follicle inflammation
  • Hair strand thinning
  • Scale formation on the scalp
  • Blisters that have formed (can also have pus formation)
  • Scalp redness or reduced pigmentation
  • Crusting

Risk Factors for Scarring Alopecia

Hair loss may occur from a multitude of causes and can affect anybody at any moment. The majority of alopecia cases are inherited and age-related, with males being more afflicted than women. However, certain genetic and lifestyle factors might raise your chance of Alopecia.

You may have a high-risk factor for scarring Alopecia if:

  • If you have a family history of scarring alopecia, you are more likely to have hair loss.
  • You are or were recently pregnant (hormonal changes can cause hair to fall out)
  • You abuse prescription drugs (some medications cause hair loss as a side effect)
  • You have a history of a medical condition, such as diabetes or lupus.
  • You are malnourished.

Home Remedies for Scarring Alopecia

Home Remedies for Scarring Alopecia

Home Remedies for Scarring Alopecia

Whether a person wants to prevent hair loss or stimulate greater hair growth, having a thorough understanding of certain nutrition and hair-care guidelines can help them achieve their objective.

When a medical issue causes hair loss, it is advisable to consult with a doctor about appropriate remedies. However, the following are scarring alopecia natural remedies that will help minimize its symptoms.

Using saw palmetto

A recent study reveals that supplementing with saw palmetto may enhance hair growth in individuals with male pattern baldness.

During the two-year study, the patients consumed 320 mg of saw palmetto daily.

After the duration of the study, the participants’ hair grew mostly in the vertex, or the top and rear of the scalp. This is a typical location for male baldness.

Making use of pumpkin seed oil

Using pumpkin seed oil may promote hair development. A 2014 study examined whether pumpkin seed oil may aid hair growth.

They observed that males who took 400 milligrams (mg) of pumpkin seed oil for six months had a 40% increase in average hair count, but those who took a placebo only had a 10% rise.

All the males had a history of androgenic Alopecia, often known as male pattern baldness. They were between the ages of 20 and 65 and did not use any additional supplements for hair loss.

Massaging the Scalp

Massaging the scalp increases blood flow to the scalp, which may promote hair growth. A recent Japanese study discovered that males who used a scalp massage device for 4 minutes daily had thicker hair after six months. You can use the pads of your fingertips to massage your scalp in gentle circles. Scalp massagers are also available at medicine shops and online.

Considering aromatherapy

According to the authors of a 2011 study report, aromatherapy can assist in enhancing hair growth.

Aromatherapy practitioners may employ the following herbs to encourage hair growth:

  • lavender
  • cedarwood
  • Rosemary
  • thyme
  • tulsi

When using essential oils on the scalp, dilute them with a carrier oil such as coconut or walnut oil. According to experts, inhaling the aroma of these oils may affect hair growth.

More study is needed to discover whether essential oils are an effective hair growth therapy. Because some people may have topical allergic responses to essential oils, it is advised to perform a tiny test patch 24 hours before applying the combination to the entire head.

Increasing iron consumption

Another component required by the body for healthy hair growth is iron. Among the dietary iron sources are:

  • lentils
  • clams
  • oysters
  • spinach
  • pumpkin seeds
  • white beans
  • lean beef
  • turkey

Many food producers fortify their products with iron, indicating that iron has been added. However, people who do not consume meat have iron needs up to 1.8 times higher than those who do. This is due to the body’s inability to absorb iron from nonanimal sources.

Consuming extra protein

Eating high-protein meals, such as nuts, can assist the body in the growth of new hair.

To develop new hair, the body needs protein. A protein shortage can cause hair loss.

Examples of healthy dietary protein source

  • eggs
  • Beans
  • nuts
  • fish
  • thin cuts of beef
  • seeds

A person’s daily protein requirements vary depending on their physical activity and muscle mass level.

Chinese herbs

Chinese medicine supports using several herbs to treat various baldness and hair loss. Chinese medicines for baldness include ginseng, Huáng Q, Ginkgo, Danggui, and Rehmannia glutinosa.

These herbs often increase circulation on the scalp or act as a cleansing tonic for bodily fluids. Consult a Chinese medicine professional to determine the best combination and dosage for treating your baldness.

Onion juice

Onion juice is useful in treating scarring alopecia. Honey contains antibacterial and antifungal characteristics that can aid in treating dandruff and hair loss. Remember to wash this combination thoroughly, or you will be left with an unpleasant onion stench! Also, before applying onion to your scalp, perform a patch test. Some people may develop contact dermatitis after using onion on their skin or scalp. If you develop any allergies, discontinue the usage and notify your doctor.

Treatment Alternatives

Scarring alopecia can cause significant damage and irreversible hair loss. As a result, scarring alopecia should be treated aggressively. The type of therapy differs based on the diagnosis. Scarring alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris and pseudopelade, are typically treated with corticosteroids in topical creams and injections into the afflicted skin. Antimalarial and isotretinoin medications may also be utilized.

Antibiotics and isotretinoin commonly treat scarring alopecias with inflammation of main neutrophils or a combination of cells. In addition, some kinds have been treated experimentally with medications such as methotrexate, tacrolimus, cyclosporin, and thalidomide.

Once scarring alopecia has progressed to the burnt-out stage and there has been no further hair loss for a few years, bald patches can be surgically removed if they are not too large, or bald patches can be transplanted with hair follicles obtained from unaffected areas.

Scarring Alopecia: When Should You See A Doctor?

Hair loss is not always a disorder that affects a person’s general health, but it can significantly influence one’s mental health and self-esteem.

If you’re worried about your frequent hair loss, you should consult a doctor, especially if you’ve made dietary changes or taking supplements and are still losing hair.

A doctor may recommend consulting a dermatologist, who can do further tests to identify appropriate therapies if necessary.

Final Thought

Scarring alopecia is not just a disease but a form of inflammatory hair disorder that leads to permanent hair loss if not managed properly. It can sometimes be challenging to manage. Some components of hair development, such as genetics, are uncontrollable. On the other hand, a healthy and nutritious diet may result in enhanced hair growth. Using various home remedies and caring for your hair will help increase its thickness and growth. You should consult a medical doctor if you are concerned about hair loss or growth.

We believe that the natural remedies shared in this post will help you manage your scarring alopecia.

Post Disclaimer

The information contained in this post "8 Important Scarring Alopecia Natural Remedies" is for educational purposes only. Always consult your primary care doctor before using the remedies that are provided. The information is provided by The Hidden Cures and while we do timely, in-depth research on the information that we provide to you, everything stated may not be up to date or accurate from the time it was written.

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