Sikatrical alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when scars or scar tissue on the skin damage the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss. It affects the ability of hair to regrow, and since the hair roots are permanently damaged, hair does not grow back in these areas. Sikatrical alopecia is incurable, but there are some treatment options available to improve the appearance of hair and reduce loss. The treatment for sikatrical alopecia can vary depending on the individual’s condition and the severity of hair loss. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dermatologist or hair specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Causes of Sikatrical Alopecia
Some common causes of sikatrical alopecia include:
Burns: Severe burns on the skin can lead to hair loss due to scar tissue after burns.
Surgical Procedures: Scars that occur during hair transplantation, skin grafting, or other surgical procedures can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Injuries and Cuts: Skin injuries, cuts, or traumatic injuries resulting in scars can lead to permanent hair loss by affecting the hair follicles.
Infections: Some infections on the skin can cause hair loss by damaging the hair follicles.
Autoimmune Diseases: Some autoimmune diseases can cause the body to attack its own hair follicles.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation or drugs that can damage hair follicles may be used during cancer treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Symptoms of Sikatrical Alopecia
Symptoms of sikatrical alopecia are associated with hair loss as well as scars or scar tissue on the skin’s surface:
- hair loss
- scar tissue
- itching or pain
- changes in the skin
Diagnosis of Sikatrical Alopecia
The diagnosis of sikatrical alopecia is made by a dermatologist or hair specialist through a clinical examination and some medical tests:
Medical History: The doctor listens to the patient’s history related to hair loss.
Physical Examination: The doctor performs a physical examination by observing the patient’s hair loss and scars or scar tissue on the skin.
Skin Biopsy: When necessary, the doctor may perform a skin biopsy to confirm the cause of hair loss or rule out other possible causes.
Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or other imaging tests may be performed to determine the underlying causes of hair loss.
Blood Tests: Blood tests may be used when necessary to determine medical conditions or infections underlying hair loss.
Treatment of Sikatrical Alopecia
Since sikatrical alopecia is a condition where hair loss is irreversible, treatment options focus on slowing down hair loss, improving appearance, and maintaining skin health rather than targeting hair regrowth:
Corticosteroid Creams or Lotions: Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and slow down hair loss.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be directly applied to the affected areas of the skin.
Wigs or Hair Prosthetics: Individuals experiencing permanent hair loss due to sikatrical alopecia can use wigs or hair prosthetics to conceal hair loss and improve appearance.
Skin Grafting: In some cases, skin grafting can be used to transplant new skin to scarred areas.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can slow down hair loss and stimulate hair growth by targeting hair follicles.
Treatments to Increase Blood Circulation: Some treatments aim to promote more blood flow to the hair follicles.
Management of Sikatrical Alopecia
The management of sikatrical alopecia focuses on controlling hair loss, improving hair appearance, and maintaining skin health:
Regular Doctor Follow-ups: Individuals diagnosed with sikatrical alopecia should be regularly monitored by a dermatologist or hair specialist.
Topical Treatments: Doctors may recommend medications such as topical corticosteroid creams or lotions.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be directly applied to the affected areas and help control hair loss.
Wigs or Hair Prosthetics: Individuals experiencing permanent hair loss due to sikatrical alopecia can improve their appearance by using wigs or hair prosthetics.
Skin Protection: It is important to protect skin areas associated with scars or scar tissue.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can slow down hair loss and stimulate hair growth by targeting hair follicles.
Treatments to Increase Blood Circulation: Some treatments aim to promote more blood flow to the hair follicles.
Psychological Support: Sikatrical alopecia can cause difficulties related to appearance.
