Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of

• Nurses who wear caps which are tightly secured by pins at the side or back of the head can develop traction alopecia.[10]
• Sikh men^[11] and women are susceptible to traction alopecia if the hair under the turban is tied too tightly for many years.^[12]
• The way in which a hijab is worn and the hairstyle used underneath may also contribute to hair loss.^[13]
• Compressive safety helmets worn tightly and closely to the scalp are a cause of traction alopecia. The lining of tightly fitted safety helmets like those worn for activities such as motorcycling, cycling, skiing and snowboarding are responsible for the constant rubbing and tugging of localised areas of the hair and scalp. Frequent wearers or those who use such helmets for prolonged periods seem more likely to develop traction alopecia.^{[citation needed]}

Chemicals

A condition known as CCCA (central cicatricial centrifugal alopecia), seen almost exclusively in African American women, can cause extensive hair loss. It is caused by a combination of too much stress (traction) on the hair and the use of harsh relaxers and dyes.^[14]

Diagnosis

Traction alopecia is characterized by a fringe along the marginal hairline on

Differential diagnosis of this type of patchy alopecia when it is in the non scarring stage includes trichotillomania and alopecia areata, in the late stage, when smooth hairless patches are present with follicular drop out, it can resemble scarring alopecias such as frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and patchy central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).^[9]

Frontal fibrosing alopecia can present with an unusual retention of the hairline (pseudo-fringe sign).^[15]

Treatment

Treatment is typically not pharmaceutical. Management includes cessation of the chronic traction, cosmeses, with surgical restoration reserved for more severe cases with scarring fibrosis.^[7]

See also

• Croydon facelift
• Cicatricial alopecia
• List of cutaneous conditions

References