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

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

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

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

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

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

• Alopecia areata
• Androgenetic alopecia
• Telogen effluvium

External links

• Frontal fibrosing alopecia at the American Academy of Dermatology