Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treatments; in Summary:
- Treatment options: Topical and oral medication, as well as surgical procedures
- Natural remedies: There are no scientifically proven natural remedies for frontal fibrosing alopecia but vitamins like zinc and iron are known to help promote hair growth.
- Cause: The exact cause of FFA is unknown but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder.
- Diagnosis: Typically done by a dermatologist through a physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. They may do a skin biopsy and additional tests.
What are frontal fibrosing alopecia treatments?
Topical medications:
There are several topical medications that can be used to help slow the progression of the condition and improve hair growth.
Some of the topical medications that may be used to treat FFA include:
- Minoxidil: This medication is applied to the scalp and is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help to promote hair growth.
- Anthralin: This medication is applied to the scalp and is thought to work by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new hair.
- Topical corticosteroids: These medications are applied to the scalp and are used to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors: This medication is applied to the scalp and is used to reduce inflammation, itching and promote hair growth.
It’s important to note that the treatment for FFA is usually prescribed by a dermatologist who will evaluate the patient’s specific case.
Hair transplant:
Hair transplants are a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp (the donor site) to another part of the scalp (the recipient site) to restore hair growth. In the case of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA), hair transplants can be used to restore hair growth in the affected areas of the frontal hairline and temples.
There are two main types of hair transplants: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a surgical procedure that involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head (the donor site) and using it to restore hair growth in the affected areas. The strip is then divided into individual follicular units, which are then transplanted to the recipient site.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a surgical procedure that involves removing individual hair follicles from the back of the head (the donor site) and transplanting them to the affected areas. Unlike FUT, FUE does not leave a linear scar on the back of the head.
It’s important to note that hair transplants for FFA can be challenging, as the affected area of hair loss is usually diffuse and the hair density is usually low. It’s also important to note that the risk of FFA to progress in transplanted area and should be discussed with a specialist before considering this option. It’s also important to note that hair transplantation does not stop the progression of FFA but it can help to improve the aesthetic appearance of the hair.
Oral medications:
Oral medications are also used in addition to topical treatments for the management of Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). It’s important to note that oral medications for FFA should be prescribed by a dermatologist and that they can have side effects, so the benefits and risks should be evaluated. Also, the treatment for FFA is usually a combination of topical and oral treatments.
Are there natural remedies for frontal fibrosing alopecia?
There are no proven natural remedies for frontal fibrosing alopecia that have been scientifically proven to effectively treat the condition. However, some people with FFA may choose to try natural remedies or supplements in addition to prescribed medical treatments.
Some natural remedies or supplements that may be used to treat FFA include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are thought to help reduce inflammation, which may help to improve hair growth.
- Zinc: This mineral is thought to help promote hair growth and reduce inflammation.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, supplementing with iron may help to promote hair growth.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is thought to help promote hair growth and reduce inflammation.
- Saw Palmetto: This supplement is thought to help reduce DHT levels, which may help to improve hair growth.
What does frontal fibrosing alopecia look like?
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) typically presents as a gradual shrinking of the hairline, specifically at the temples and front of the scalp, and hair loss in the affected areas. The hair loss can be diffuse or patchy, and may or may not be accompanied by itching or burning sensations. The scalp may also appear shiny, and in some cases there may be a visible band of hair loss along the frontal hairline. The hair loss in FFA is usually permanent and the hair follicles may appear scarred, which can give the scalp a smooth appearance. In advanced cases, there may also be eyebrows and eyelashes loss.
It’s important to note that the signs and symptoms of FFA can vary among individuals, and the condition can be challenging to diagnose. If you suspect you might have FFA, it is important to consult a qualified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What causes Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia?
Why is it more common in females?
Also, research has shown that FFA is associated with other autoimmune disorders such as lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus and Sjogren syndrome, and women are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders than men.
How do you get diagnosed with frontal fibrosing alopecia?
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is typically diagnosed by a dermatologist through a physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. During the examination, the dermatologist will look for characteristic signs of FFA, such as hair loss and a shrinking hairline, as well as the presence of scarring and inflammation on the scalp.
The dermatologist may also take a skin biopsy, which is a small sample of the affected skin, to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy will be examined under a microscope to look for signs of inflammation and scarring in the hair follicles. The biopsy will also help to rule out other conditions that can cause hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia.
In some cases, additional tests such as blood test may be done to rule out other autoimmune diseases or hormonal imbalances.
It’s important to note that FFA can be challenging to diagnose, as the signs and symptoms can be similar to other hair loss conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis by a qualified dermatologist is crucial.
