Traumatic alopecia

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Traumatic Alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs as a result of damage inflicted on the hair follicles from physical trauma. This can include a variety of causes such as hairstyles that pull on the hair, excessive heat or chemical styling, and compulsive hair pulling.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Traumatic Alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which involve some form of physical trauma to the hair follicles. This can include:

  • Traction Alopecia: This is caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair over time, such as tight ponytails, braids, or dreadlocks.
  • Trichotillomania: This is a psychological condition where a person compulsively pulls out their own hair.
  • Chemical Alopecia: This can be caused by hair treatments such as perming, bleaching, and coloring that damage the hair follicles.
  • Burns or Injuries: Physical injuries or burns can also damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Traumatic Alopecia can vary depending on the cause of the hair loss. However, common symptoms can include:

  • Gradual hair loss in specific areas
  • Broken or short hairs around the edge of the scalp
  • Redness, scaling, or inflammation on the scalp
  • A strong urge to pull out hair (in cases of Trichotillomania)

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Traumatic Alopecia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the hair loss. This can include:

  • Changing hairstyles or hair care practices
  • Seeking psychological help for conditions like Trichotillomania
  • Using medications to help regrow hair or prevent further hair loss

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Traumatic alopecia Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD