Alopecia is an umbrella term that means hair loss. It may affect both sexes of any age group. Hair loss can be distressing since it leads to poor confidence and social withdrawal due to unaesthetic appearance. There are several types of alopecia, but this article will explore a type of hair loss that is common among Black women. This type of hair loss is known as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). This destroys your hair follicles and replaces them with scars, thus, it is also known as scarring alopecia. This makes hair loss more likely to be permanent. Research is still ongoing to determine the cause of CCCA, although it is believed to be due to certain hair care products and styling techniques.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of CCCA. Scroll down to know more!
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia or CCCA is a type of scarring alopecia where you lose hair due to the destruction of the hair follicles. Hair loss begins in the center of the scalp as a small, balding, round patch that grows over time. The destroyed hair follicles are replaced with areas of scar formation. This is the most common form of scarring hair loss seen in black women. Middle-aged women are most commonly affected. However, it may occur even in men and people of other races and their hair color.
When affected by CCCA, hair follicles are destroyed, inhibiting the growth of new hair. The destroyed hair follicles are then replaced with scars. The exact cause of CCCA is still unknown despite extensive research. However, some theories suggest it may be linked to the use of certain hair styling techniques and harmful products.
Some possible causes of CCCA may include:
The following can aggravate or exacerbate CCCA:
The classic and the first symptom of CCCA is the loss of hair on the top of your head.
Other possible symptoms may include:
Other scalp symptoms may include:
Doctors may diagnose central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia by the following:
The main goal of treating central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is to prevent or stop the condition from worsening. Although there are no clear treatment guidelines, options may include:
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is a type of hair loss that commonly occurs in black, middle-aged women due to the destruction of the hair follicles. The destroyed hair follicles are replaced by areas of smooth, shiny scars, thus giving it the name scarring alopecia. Although the cause is not known, some researchers believe it is due to genetic predisposition, improper styling techniques, autoimmune conditions, stress, and hormonal changes. Since it is a permanent type of hair loss, treatment for CCA will help prevent the condition or halt its progression.
If you notice any significant hair loss (beyond 100 to 150 strands daily), contact a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) for further evaluation and management. Seeking timely medical help will significantly improve your quality of life and psychological well-being.
Scarring alopecia is permanent hair loss due to destruction of the hair follicles. Non-scarring alopecia is a temporary thinning or falling out of hair without destroying hair follicles.
No. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is not contagious and does not spread from one person to another.
CCCA is a chronic and progressive type of hair loss. It may take years for the condition to transition from mild to severe, but in some cases, it may progress in a matter of weeks to months.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia may be reversed if detected and treated early. This is possible before the hair follicles are destroyed and develop scars. Once the hair follicle destruction is complete, treatment to regrow hair becomes difficult.