Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia – Causes and Treatment

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Causes

Signs and Symptoms of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treatment

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is cicatricial alopecia characterized by a progressive and symmetrical recession of the frontotemporal hairline, often accompanied by bilateral loss of eyebrows. In this hair condition, hair loss may be experienced on the eyebrows, eyelashes, and even on other parts of the body. Since FFA leads to scarring hair loss, it means that the hair does not grow back. Individuals (men and women) with FFA may experience hair loss on the eyebrows even before a receding hairline or thinning of the scalp hair is noticed. Men with frontal fibrosing alopecia may notice thinning of their beard before they experience hair loss on the scalp. If treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia is started early, the progress of the receding hairline can be slowed down and permanent baldness can be prevented. Now let us look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Causes

• It is believed that frontal fibrosing alopecia is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. As the follicles heal, they scar, and when a hair follicle scars, hair cannot grow there. This is how FFA leads to permanent hair loss.
• Dermatologists say that the scarring from FFA occurs due to inflammation in the body and the other causes of scarring may be genetic.
• It is said that women in menopause, those with a family member or relative with FFA, and those who have underlying health conditions like rosacea, thyroid disorders, or type 2 diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Signs and Symptoms of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

• Itching and pain are experienced on the scalp.
• A rash is seen along the hairline and on the face and scalp.
• Small, raised bumps can be seen on the face.
• Hair loss is seen in the beard region and on the eyebrows.
• The hair loss may progress in a zigzag manner or appear as bald patches.
• Hair loss advances and the hairline moves back on the scalp.
• FFA can lead to permanent hair loss on other body parts.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treatment

• Oral medicines like finasteride can help treat frontal fibrosing alopecia.
• Steroids applied topically or injected, serve as a good treatment for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.
• Antibiotics help to reduce the inflammation caused by Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.
• The rapidly advancing hair loss can be slowed with the use of oral steroids, intralesional steroid injections, anti-inflammatory antibiotics or medicines to prevent the progress of the disease.
• Corticosteroids if injected into the scalp can reduce the inflammation caused by Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
• Treatments like these, especially if begun early, can slow down the progression of frontal fibrosing alopecia. However, there is no therapy that can completely treat this hair condition.
• The vitamins for frontal fibrosing alopecia include vitamin D, as it is instrumental in immune system function. Vitamin D has been used as a supplemental treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia.

The real solution for frontal fibrosing alopecia may be found in treatments that help with hair regrowth. 

• These include PRP therapy in which platelet-rich plasma from the blood is extracted and administered in the scalp regions where hair loss is seen.
• Mesotherapy is a medical procedure in which bald regions of the scalp are treated with a solution rich in vitamins and plant extracts, with the purpose of promoting hair growth in the balding regions.
• A hair transplant can work as an excellent treatment for FFA. In this procedure, hair follicles from one region of the scalp are transplanted into the bald regions.

To know what would work for you, it is best to seek expert advice. One of the most reputed hair transplant centres in Pune is HairMD. The experienced dermatologists there will give you the best advice on treating frontal fibrosing alopecia or any other hair condition. Their safe, effective, and affordable hair treatments will help you attain healthy and luxurious hair.