Research ArticleArticles

CARF Announced Its First “Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month” as the Month of September in the U.S.

Victoria Ceh
Hair Transplant Forum International September 2021, 31 (5) 171; DOI: https://doi.org/10.33589/31.5.171
Figure

Patients diagnosed with frontral fibrosing alopecia. Photos courtesy of the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF).

Frontal fibrosing alopecia, or FFA, is one type of primary cicatricial alopecia, also called scarring alopecia. It was first described in the early 1990s.1 The hair loss is permanent; the disease attacks the bulge (an area of stem cell) in the follicle itself. It is classified as lymphocytic and currently a subtype of lichen planopilaris (or LPP). The cause is unknown, but many researchers believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The majority of persons with FFA are post-menopausal women and develop mild to extensive frontotemporal hairline recession. Eyebrow loss often occurs as well. At times, loss of eyebrow hair can be an early sign of FFA.

Physicians who specialize in hair loss disorders have expressed they are seeing more FFA than ever before. An increasing number of cases has been reported worldwide. Some have even cited there may be an epidemic. Hypothesized possible triggers include hormones, neurogenic inflammation, smoking, UV filters, and ingredients in leave-on facial products.1

Some studies have shown a positive correlation between facial sunscreen use and FFA, however, there is not a direct causal relationship.2 It is important to note that FFA still develops in populations who do not use sunscreens.3

References

  1. 1.
    1. Iorizzo M,
    2. Tosti A.
    Frontal fibrosing alopecia: an update on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019 Jun; 20(3):379-390.
  2. 2.
    1. Robinson G, et al.
    Sunscreen and frontal fibrosing alopecia: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Mar; 82(3):723-728.
  3. 3.
    1. Tosti A, et al.
    Response from the American Hair Research Society to “Sunscreen and frontal fibrosing alopecia: a review.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Mar; 82(3):729-730.