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Conditions

Hair restoration · Hair-loss diagnosis and restoration

Frontal fibrosing alopecia

Recognise a scarring alopecia that recedes the hairline and may affect the eyebrows.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is an inflammatory scarring disease that progressively destroys follicles along the frontal and temporal hairline.

Possible symptoms

A smooth band of skin appears as the hairline recedes; eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair may be lost, sometimes with itch or pain.

Causes and associated factors

The cause remains uncertain; autoimmune activity, hormonal factors and individual susceptibility are being studied.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist examines the hairline, eyebrows and inflammation; scalp biopsy is often useful to confirm scarring alopecia.

Tests

Dermoscopy and biopsy assess activity; the context may prompt testing for thyroid disease or another associated alopecia.

Course of the condition

Progression is often slow but unpredictable, and hair already lost through scarring is permanent.

Care options

Early treatment aims to suppress inflammation and stabilise loss, not revive destroyed follicles; transplantation is considered only after durable stability.

When to consult

Seek prompt assessment for unusual hairline recession, eyebrow loss, redness or scale around hairs.

Urgent help

Rapid worsening with marked pain, pustules, discharge or fever needs prompt evaluation to exclude infection or another active disease.

Questions for your doctor

  • What is causing my hair loss?
  • Are the follicles still active or already scarred?
  • Which medical treatments should be tried or stabilised before a transplant?
  • Can my donor area support a realistic and lasting result?
  • Which scalp signs need prompt medical care?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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