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What Are the Causes of Scarring Alopecia?

Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia) is a form of alopecia that causes follicular damage. The condition may be caused by several factors, all of which have the same outcome: permanent hair loss.

  1. Fungal Infections

    • Fungal infections such as tinea capitis (ringworm) can cause permanent scarring hair loss. This fungal infection causes baldness in the form of round shiny circles on the scalp. These may also be inflamed or scabby.

    Lupus

    • People with lupus experience hair loss due to the disease in 54 percent of lupus patients, according to the Mayo Clinic. This hair loss is normally temporary unless a rash called discoid forms. This rash can scar the scalp and damage hair follicles.

    Burns

    • If you have received third-degree burns to the scalp, or been burned with a hot comb or flat iron, you may also develop cicatricial alopecia, due to scar tissue forming in the area. This may also occur from chemical burns.

    Surgical Procedure

    • Surgical procedures that cause you to have to get stitches in your scalp may cause hair follicles to produce scar tissue. This is often the case with stitches in the scalp or large incisions or cuts.

    Fact

    • Hair growth is impossible if you have cicatricial alopecia. Once the scar tissue sets in the hair follicles, hair will never grow from this area.

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