Hair Loss Disorders

So, after discussing the basic properties of hair, the next in the blog series will be on Hair Loss Disorders. There are two main types:

1. Non Scarring

These hair loss disorders may be due to hormonal or inflammatory processes which causes hair loss with hair follicles not being affected. Once the process resolves, or is treated, the hair will grow back. Examples of non-scarring hair disorders include: Female and Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia), Alopecia areata, and Telogen Effluvium. Traction Alopecia is also non-scarring in its early stages.Extremely inflamed Psoriasis, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis have been causes of temporary non-scarring hair loss.

 

2. Scarring Alopecia

Scarring type alopecias usually result from an inflammatory process whereby the body, for whatever reason, attacks the hair follicle, destroying it in the process. The hair follicle is replaced by scar tissue, and as such, hair will not grow back. Most of these scarring hair loss disorders, if treated from very early, can have favourable outcomes with the hair growing back. Examples include: Traction alopecia, Lichen Planopilaris, Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia, Dissecting Cellulitis, Folliculitis Decalvans, Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.