"Too Young for Hair Loss"
by
Dr. Kari Williams
Hair loss is typically associated with aging, but an increasing number of people are losing hair and they are not in their “golden years.” Unfortunately I have seen many young women in their 20’s and early 30’s who are suffering from severe hair loss, especially in the crown of the head. Many women who have hair loss are not initially aware of it, particularly women who wear weaves on a consistent basis. It’s not until it becomes apparent to family and friends, excessive hair is seen in the shower or sink after a shampoo, or they finally take a good look in the mirror and actually touch their hair after two years of back to back weave styling (yes, many women don’t look at or touch their own hair in between weaves) that they realize something is seriously wrong. What’s even worse is that many women wait until most of the hair is gone before consulting with someone about it.Many women have tried various ineffective home remedies before seeking help. The problem is there are several reasons for hair loss including a number of systemic causes and the use of medications. Therefore, we cannot assume that a topical application of an over-the-counter product that claims hair regrowth is the solution.Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a form of scarring alopecia that occurs almost exclusively in African American women. This pattern of hair loss resembles the diffuse pattern linked to androgenic alopecia. The difference is with CCCA there is a complete obliteration of the hair follicles, a change in scalp texture and scar tissue that forms in the scalp, resulting in permanent hair loss. Symptoms of burning, itching and pain may accompany this form of hair loss that is typically located in the center of the scalp. The area involved is smooth and shiny and the remaining hairs in the area of the scarring are dry and brittle.Lets discuss what’s causing this form of hair loss, especially if its primarily afflicting Black women, and the victims are getting younger.The cause of CCCA is poorly understood but it involves inflammation of the hair follicle where the stem cells and sebaceous glands (oil glands) are located. Once this is destroyed there is no possibility of regeneration of hair cells. Although the exact cause of this alopecia is not known, certain factors have been implicated in the development of CCCA. These include, thermal straightening (using blow dryers and hot combs), traction or excessive tension on the hair, chemical straightening (relaxers) and infection. There is no conclusive evidence that determine these factors as causes, but we must discontinue certain hair care practices when we notice that it is affecting our hair and scalp.Currently, there is no consistently successful treatment for CCCA. A dermatologist who can perform a scalp biopsy must confirm this diagnosis for your hair loss. Some treatments that have been used are topical anti-inflammatory agent, oral antibiotics, topical minoxidil treatments, intralesional steroids (injections) and hair transplant surgery. Again I caution, before trying one of these treatments consult with your physician or dermatologist to determine what may be most effective.Learn more from Dr. Kari at www.drkariwilliams.com
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