Scarring alopecia is a challenging form of hair loss that can permanently damage hair follicles, making early diagnosis and treatment especially important. Dr. Zain Husain, Heather Murray, and Courtney Carroll explore several types of scarring alopecia, including lichen planopilaris (LPP), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), folliculitis decalvans, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.

The team discusses common warning signs, such as itching, redness, scaling, pustules, tenderness, and changes in the hairline. They also explain how dermatologists evaluate these conditions through medical history, scalp examinations, trichoscopy, and sometimes biopsies. Treatment often focuses on reducing inflammation and preserving remaining hair, with options including topical and injected steroids, oral medications, and antibiotics.

Because damaged follicles are difficult to restore, the conversation emphasizes realistic expectations, ongoing monitoring, and the importance of finding the correct diagnosis before considering a hair transplant. The team also discusses cosmetic options such as scalp micropigmentation and hair systems, along with the emotional challenges of living with hair loss.

00:00 What is scarring alopecia?

01:00 Primary vs. secondary scarring alopecia

02:30 Lichen planopilaris and its warning signs

03:30 Frontal fibrosing alopecia

05:30 Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

07:00 Diagnosing CCCA and exploring treatment options

08:30 Folliculitis decalvans and scalp inflammation

09:30 Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

11:00 How dermatologists diagnose scarring alopecia

13:30 When a scalp biopsy may be needed

14:30 Treatments to reduce inflammation

16:30 Can hair grow back after scarring alopecia?

17:30 Hair transplants and scarring alopecia

19:00 Scalp micropigmentation and hair systems

20:00 Monitoring treatment progress

21:00 Managing expectations and the emotional impact of hair loss