Frontal fibrosing alopecia
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| Frontal fibrosing alopecia | |
|---|---|
| Frontal fibrosing alopecia | |
| Synonyms | FFA |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Hair loss at the front of the scalp, eyebrow loss |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically post-menopausal women |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly autoimmune disease |
| Risks | Post-menopausal status, genetic predisposition |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Alopecia areata, Lichen planopilaris |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, antimalarials |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, often progressive |
| Frequency | Increasingly recognized, exact prevalence unknown |
| Deaths | N/A |
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a type of hair loss that affects the front of the scalp. It is a scarring form of alopecia, which means it can cause permanent hair loss.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of FFA is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the immune system attacking the hair follicles. Some researchers believe that it may be triggered by hormonal changes, particularly those associated with menopause.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptom of FFA is a band of hair loss that extends across the front of the scalp. This can be accompanied by redness, itching, and scaling of the skin. In some cases, the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair may also be affected.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of FFA is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the hair loss. A biopsy of the affected skin may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of hair loss.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for FFA aims to slow the progression of the hair loss. This can involve the use of medications such as corticosteroids, minoxidil, and finasteride. In some cases, a procedure called hair transplantation may be considered.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for FFA varies. Some people may experience a slow progression of the hair loss over many years, while others may lose their hair more quickly. Once the hair has been lost, it is unlikely to regrow.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia at the American Academy of Dermatology
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