Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
(CCCA)
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is an inflammatory, Genetic, auto immune disease which spreads from the vertex (top) of the head in a circle, outwards.
What is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?
Originally known as ‘Hot Comb Alopecia’ Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia CCCA, a scarring alopecia often presents itself as an irregular area of shiny bald skin, moving from the top of the head spiralling outwards towards the rear.
It is sometimes a darker or lighter colour than the scalp that is surrounding it. There will be broken hairs with some crusting or scaling and the scalp may look ‘wrinkly’ when pressed together and may appear keloid/scarred.
Types of Alopecia
What Causes Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia(CCCA)?
Excessive Scratching
Excessive scratching can cause micro injuries to the scalp, which then become infected. If the infection moves deeper into the skin, scarring can result, causing hair loss in this area.
Locs (Sisterlocks) and dreadlock
Poorly installed locs can cause traumatic scarring to the scalp. The follicles miniturise and the weakened hair breaks. and there can be continual soreness and irritation in the area of hair loss.
Patients often indicate or point to a specific area on their scalps, saying "it burns" or "it is sore right here".
Thermal trauma
If tongs, hair straighteners and hairdryers are used on the hair without thermal protection the CCCA can occur. Particularly if they are held at close proximity to the scalp.
Hot oils
Oil can sensitise the scalp, causing inflammation as it is an irritant. Dehydrates the hair and casues the hair to snap.
Chemical trauma
When the sodium hydroxide used in Relaxer on Afro hair, with a pH of between 10 and 12 (making it a highly alkaline substance) can burn the scalp skin, and cause a secondary infection, resulting in a scarring Alopecia.
Other hair products including bleach or permanent hair dye can also have a similar outcome.
Who can be affected by Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?
Many post-menopausal black women are sufferers of CCCA. The condition begins with gradual thinning, hair loss around the mid-30’s and this continues worsening throughout the child-bearing years. CCCA is rarely seen in other racial groups.
Can you treat Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?
It is possible to cure CCCA if it is caught and treated early. Swift treatment is of the essence, since with each subsequent hair growth cycle, the follicles diminish further.
CCCA can be controlled with topical treatments, however
Firstly any scalp infection must first be treated..
How do you treat (CCCA) Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?
Any infection can be treated with antibiotics and/or topical treatments.
At my clinic, I recommend a minimum of 6 electrotherapy treatments to encourage hair growth and this is supported with at home treatments. Results are often promising and improvement is seen in the majority of cases. Swift action is required - the earlier the intervention the better chance of recovery.
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TrichoSynergy Hair & Scalp Clinic London
By Appointment Only
West End Medical Practice
6 Bendall Mews,
Marylebone
NW1 6SN