What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia literally means hair loss due to persistent pulling of hair follicles from certain hairstyles. It is common in both males (young Sikh males due to turban, use of hair pieces for male pattern baldness) and females (due to tight ponytails, use of hair extensions, hair accessories during weddings). In early stages, the hair loss is reversible but if not correct in time, it can lead to permanent hair loss. Sometimes, redness and pus filled lesions can develop in areas of persistent traction. The pattern of hair loss depends on the hairstyle, usually the front and side margins of the hair line are involve. Posterior hair line can be involve due to the practice of tying hair in tight buns in female patients.

How To Diagnose Traction Alopecia ?

The condition can be diagnose clinically on history and clinical examination by an experience dermatologist. Special techniques like dermoscopy can be implement to differentiate from other conditions of hair loss. We see almost one case daily in Mohali / Chandigarh due high sikh population.

Management

There are a large number of management options for traction alopecia. Most important is to stop the hair practices leading to tension in the hair follicles. Hair must be style loosely and excess use of chemicals to be avoid. In some cases minoxidil preparations are used to stimulate the hair growth in the affected areas. In some cases PRP gives reasonably good results but In the cases where conservative and medical management does not have good results, surgical treatment by hair transplantation can be game changer.

Is it Curable ?

Traction alopecia is fully reversible in the earlier stages. In most cases, recognizing the problem and avoiding tight hairstyles will result in a full restoration of the hair. And in the later stages, follicles may become damaged and the hair may not re-grow. In these cases, a person must visit a dermatologist and ask about hair transplants or any other alternatives. When a person is concerned about hair loss, they should speak to a dermatologist. A professional can work out the cause of hair loss and suggest the best course of treatment.