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Geisler AN, Taye M, Larrondo J, Mayo TT, Aguh C, McMichael A, MacKelfresh JB, Krueger L. Updates on disorders in curly hair. Int J Dermatol 2024. [PMID: 38622785 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Hair disorders, including central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), traction alopecia (TA), and acquired trichorrhexis nodosa (ATN), commonly occur in individuals with curly textured hair. Curly textured hair in individuals of African descent has unique properties and can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. CCCA has been linked to uterine leiomyoma and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as fibroproliferation. TA often presents with a fringe sign and can arise from high-tension hairstyles presumed to be protective. Trichoscopy is useful in establishing a diagnosis; perifollicular halos are more commonly seen than perifollicular erythema or scale in CCCA. In TA, miniaturized follicles, hair casts, and "flambeau sign" can be seen. Hairstyling practices likely contribute to TA and ATN; however, the data are mixed on the role of chemical relaxers and heat styling in CCCA. Unique considerations in the presentation of frontal fibrosing alopecia in curly textured hair have also been published recently. This review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of these disorders with an emphasis on their unique properties, as well as considerations in hair care for curly textured hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaris N Geisler
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Marta Taye
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Jorge Larrondo
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Tiffany T Mayo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Crystal Aguh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amy McMichael
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Jamie B MacKelfresh
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Loren Krueger
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
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Onamusi T, Larrondo J, McMichael AJ. Clinical factors and hair care practices influencing outcomes in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Arch Dermatol Res 2023; 315:2375-2381. [PMID: 37188887 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is the most common form of primary scarring alopecia in women of African descent, negatively impacting their quality of life. Treatment is often challenging, and we usually direct therapy to suppress and prevent the inflammation. However, factors affecting clinical outcomes are still unknown. To characterize medical features, concurrent medical conditions, hair care practices, and treatments used for patients with CCCA and assess their relationship with treatment outcomes. We analyzed data from a retrospective chart review of 100 patients diagnosed with CCCA who received treatment for at least one year. Treatment outcomes were compared with patient characteristics to determine any relationships. P-values were calculated using logistic regression and univariate analysis with 95% CI P < 0.05 was considered significant. After one year of treatment, 50% of patients were stable, 36% improved, and 14% worsened. Patients without a history of thyroid disease (P = 0.0422), using metformin for diabetes control (P = 0.0255), using hooded dryers (P = 0.0062), wearing natural hairstyles (P = 0.0103), and having no other physical signs besides cicatricial alopecia (P = 0.0228), had higher odds of improvement after treatment. Patients with scaling (P = 0.0095) or pustules (P = 0.0325) had higher odds of worsening. Patients with a history of thyroid disease (P = 0.0188), not using hooded dryers (0.0438), or not wearing natural hairstyles (P = 0.0098) had higher odds of remaining stable. Clinical characteristics, concurrent medical conditions, and hair care practices may affect clinical outcomes after treatment. With this information, providers can adjust proper therapies and evaluations for patients with Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toluwalashe Onamusi
- , Nashville, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jorge Larrondo
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 4618 Country Club Rd, Winston Salem, NC, 27104, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Clinica Alemana-Universided del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Amy J McMichael
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 4618 Country Club Rd, Winston Salem, NC, 27104, USA.
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Umar S, Ton D, Carter MJ, Shitabata P. Unveiling a Shared Precursor Condition for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae and Primary Cicatricial Alopecias. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:2315-2327. [PMID: 37649568 PMCID: PMC10464825 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s422310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Small observational studies suggest subclinical disease occurrence in the normal-appearing scalp zones of several primary cicatricial alopecias. To aid patient management, we began routinely evaluating the entire scalp of patients with acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), including trichoscopy-guided biopsies. Patients and Methods This retrospective study evaluated 41 patients sequentially presenting with AKN at a single clinic between June and December 2022. Primary lesions and normal-appearing scalp in the superior parietal scalp at least 5 cm away from AKN-affected zones were clinically evaluated, and areas showing perifollicular erythema or scales/casts on trichoscopy were biopsied and histologically analyzed. Results Forty-one men with AKN, including 20 men of African descent, 17 Hispanic, and 4 European-descended Whites, were evaluated. All patients, including 22% with associated folliculitis decalvans, showed scalp-wide trichoscopy signs of perifollicular erythema or scaling in normal-appearing scalp areas. All patients showed histologic evidence of perifollicular infundibulo-isthmic lymphocytoplasmic infiltrates and fibrosis (PIILIF), with 96% showing Vellus or miniaturized hair absence. PIILIF was often clinically mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis (44-51%). All White patients had mild papular acne keloidalis nuchae lesions mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis. Conclusion PIILIF may be a precursor to a wide spectrum of primary cicatricial alopecias, including AKN and folliculitis decalvans. This finding carries implications for the early diagnosis and management of AKN and other primary cicatricial alopecias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanusi Umar
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic, Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
| | - Donna Ton
- Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic, Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Paul Shitabata
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Dermatopathology Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
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Larrondo J, McMichael AJ. Scarring Alopecia. Dermatol Clin 2023; 41:519-537. [PMID: 37236719 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
African hair shaft and pigmented scalp have unique features that challenge diagnosis in scarring alopecia. In addition, Black patients may associate 2 or more types of hair disorders. Therefore, it is imperative to understand their findings thoroughly to establish a good diagnosis. Differential diagnosis on the frontal scalp includes traction alopecia and frontal fibrosing alopecia. Disorders such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, discoid lupus erythematosus, and lichen planopilaris usually affect the middle scalp. Folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis, and acne keloidalis nuchae are the main differential diagnosis of the posterior scalp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Larrondo
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, 4618 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA; Department of Dermatology, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Av. Vitacura 5951, Santiago, 7650568, Chile
| | - Amy J McMichael
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, 4618 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA.
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Beyond the Hot Comb: Updates in Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Treatment of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia from 2011 to 2021. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023; 24:81-88. [PMID: 36399228 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a form of scarring alopecia that predominantly affects middle-aged women of African descent. Recent data suggest a multifactorial etiology of CCCA that is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Emerging evidence regarding the genetic basis of the condition may elucidate new therapies. While topical and intralesional steroids and tetracycline antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, refractory cases may be considered for hair transplantation. Emerging therapies using platelet-rich plasma, botanical formulas, and cosmetic procedures have shown promising results for the future management of CCA. As recent notable advances in CCCA have been achieved, this review provides an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of CCCA.
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Okwundu N, Ogbonna C, McMichael AJ. Seborrheic Dermatitis as a Potential Trigger of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: A Review of Literature. Skin Appendage Disord 2023; 9:13-17. [PMID: 36643200 PMCID: PMC9832998 DOI: 10.1159/000526216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a common form of scarring alopecia that affects the crown or vertex of the scalp as centrifugally spreading patches of permanent hair loss. The etiology of CCCA is uncertain. Genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases, infections (bacterial and fungal), and other idiopathic factors have all been explored as potential risk factors for the development of CCCA. Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) has been identified in a number of studies as the most common concurrent hair disorder seen in patients with CCCA. The high prevalence of SD in African American women and its association with long-term inflammation of the scalp may increase the likelihood of a connection between SD and other inflammatory conditions of the scalp in this population. Since it has frequently been discovered as a concomitant diagnosis in patients with CCCA, we hypothesize that a history of SD may play a role in the pathogenesis of CCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nwanneka Okwundu
- Trios Health Family Medicine Residency, University of Washington, Kennewick, Washington, USA
| | - Chiagoziem Ogbonna
- Department of Dermatology and School of Medicine, Wakeforest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy J. McMichael
- Department of Dermatology and School of Medicine, Wakeforest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Jamerson TA, Talbot CC, Dina Y, Kwatra SG, Garza LA, Aguh C. Gene expression profiling suggests severe, extensive central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia may be both clinically and biologically distinct from limited disease subtypes. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:789-793. [PMID: 35007355 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The natural history of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is widely variable. Some patients experience rapid progression to extensive, end-stage disease while others never approach extensive involvement over decades, suggesting heterogeneity in CCCA disease phenotype. To better characterize clinically severe disease in CCCA, tissue samples were obtained from the peripheral, hair bearing lesional scalp of women with clinically focal, limited, and extensive CCCA disease involvement. A microarray analysis was conducted to identify differential expression of genes previously identified to be preferentially expressed in the lesional scalp vs non-lesional scalp of CCCA patients. Clinically extensive, severe CCCA was characterized by increased expression of MMP9, SFRP4, and MSR1 when directly compared with focal and limited disease. These biomarkers correspond to dysregulated pathways of fibrosis, Wnt signaling, and macrophage-mediated inflammatory processes, respectively. These findings hold significance for both possible targets for future study of prognostic markers of disease severity and new potential therapeutic targets. In summary, this study suggests clinically extensive, severe CCCA may have a differential gene expression pattern in the lesional scalp of affected patients, in addition to its clinical distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Conover Talbot
- Johns Hopkins Medical Institute Single Cell & Transcriptomics Core, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yemisi Dina
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luis A Garza
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Crystal Aguh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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