How frontal alopecia affects hair growth

This is just a simple mental picture of how hair loss progresses for people with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).

From the term itself, you can already deduce that this condition mainly affects the frontal part of your head that may extend to your forehead down to your brows and lashes.

FFA is actually a form of lichen planopilaris (LPP).

From what I have explained in the previous article, this hair and scalp problem is triggered by your immune system.

There are also studies that hormonal imbalance can predispose a person to develop FFA.

FFA is more common among post menopausal women.

It is because of this targeted demographic that a link has been drawn to hormonal changes. There are also medical reports that support hereditary causes of this condition.

The hair loss pattern in FFA is that it usually starts from both sides of the ears going upward towards the hairline, and the progression shows symmetrical hair shedding as if you’re wearing a headband, and every hair on the front starts to fall.

In some cases, scarring may also occur, and what’s worse is that it can affect the hair growth of your eyebrows and lashes.

As with the nature of hair loss in cicatrical alopecia, FFA damages the hair follicles because of scar tissue formations, blocking the scalp pores that will inhibit hair growth. Gradually, if left untreated – this will cause permanent balding.

But the manifestation that is classic in FFA includes having a shiny and pale appearance of the affected area even if it’s mildly scarred.

As with the other types of alopecia, the most definitive diagnostic tool for FFA is skin or scalp biopsy. You may also be subjected to blood chemistry examinations to determine the real cause.

As for the cure and management, there is no exact treatment yet, but the main medication is still anti-inflammatory.

Your physician may also prescribe you with medications that will block the male hormone 5-alpha reductase.

I have already linked the role of male hormones to hair loss, and it is only appropriate that your treatment regimen will include keeping your testosterone levels in check.

For your treatment to be successful, you have to strictly follow the instructions of your physician, especially during the active hair loss stage.

It is important that you do not stop the treatment midway to avoid worsening of your condition.

If you really want to totally help yourself out in this kind of situation, contact a trichologist, who will examine your hair and scalp, and start you on a regime parallel to your prescribed medication.

Your trichologist will also show you how to continually boost your immune system.

Since FFA has something to do with existing autoimmune disorder and hormonal imbalance, then you should know how to keep yourself healthy at all times.

Remember, diseases only have a chance to attack your body if your immune system is down. So, toughen up your defences by eating a balanced diet, maintain proper hydration, adequate rest and exercise.

Germaine Williams-Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT) and nutrition consultant (NC), https://www.germainewilliamsbeckles.

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