How to Treat Scarring from Alopecia

Scarring alopecia is a condition that often leads to scalp inflammation, scar tissue, hair loss and baldness. According to follicle.com, it is caused by the hair follicles becoming inflamed and swollen. This condition is characterized by scaly patches and raised, sometimes bright red areas. It can be caused by a variety of disorders and affects people of all ages. There are a variety of methods used to treat scarring alopecia and its resulting symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Go to a doctor if you notice scalp itching and burning. You will probably experience scalp redness and hair loss as well. These are all symptoms of scarring alopecia. If you catch the condition early, it is easier to treat. A doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis so you can begin aggressively treating the condition.

• 2

  Apply a topical treatment, such as a corticosteroid. More severe cases may need injection steroid treatments as well. Use an over-the-counter antihistamine to help reduce itching caused by the condition.

• 3

  Take anti-inflammatory oral medications to treat scarring alopecia. According to thefreelibrary.com, doxycycline, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation.

• 4

  Use antibiotics to help treat inflammation and reduce prevalence of the scarring by treating the underlying condition. According to the American Hair Loss Association, treatments usually involve combining antibiotics with topical isotretinoin. Drugs that are largely untested but sometimes used are cyclosporin, thalidomide and methotrexate.

• 5

  Treat any hair loss with Minoxidil, Finasteride or hair transplantation. Because most of the hair loss with scarring alopecia does not grow back, it may be necessary to treat hair loss to reduce the appearance of scar tissue. Hair regrowth treatments can begin when treatment for the underlying scarring is complete. Treatment can take a year or more and often needs to be repeated.