Traumatic alopecia

Traumatic alopecia
Synonyms	Traction alopecia, trichotillomania
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hair loss, scalp tenderness
Complications	Scarring alopecia
Onset	Any age
Duration	Variable, depending on cause and treatment
Types	N/A
Causes	Physical trauma to the hair, tight hairstyles, compulsive hair pulling
Risks	Tight braids, hair extensions, chemical treatments
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, patient history
Differential diagnosis	Alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, tinea capitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Behavioral therapy, topical corticosteroids, minoxidil
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with early intervention
Frequency	Common in individuals with certain hairstyles or habits
Deaths	N/A

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

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

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

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

• Alopecia Areata
• Androgenetic Alopecia
• Telogen Effluvium

References

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