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Starace M, Cedirian S, Rapparini L, Quadrelli F, Pampaloni F, Bruni F, Piraccini BM. Enhanced Insights into Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Advancements in Pathogenesis Understanding and Management Strategies. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024; 14:1457-1477. [PMID: 38822213 PMCID: PMC11169308 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01186-0] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) represents a distinctive form of primary lymphocytic scarring alopecia characterized by fronto-temporal hair recession and eyebrow hair loss. While predominantly affecting postmenopausal women, FFA also occurs in women of reproductive age and men, with variations observed across different ethnic groups. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors and inflammatory pathways contribute to its pathogenesis, with evolving diagnostic criteria enhancing accuracy. FFA treatment lacks standardization, encompassing topical, systemic and physical therapies, while hair transplantation remains a temporary solution. This article reviews the current understanding of FFA, aiming to provide clinicians with updated insights for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Starace
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stephano Cedirian
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luca Rapparini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Quadrelli
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Pampaloni
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bruni
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bianca M Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Roman AM, Petca RC, Dumitrașcu MC, Petca A, Ionescu (Miron) AI, Șandru F. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Reproductive Health: Assessing the Role of Sex Hormones in Disease Development. J Pers Med 2024; 14:72. [PMID: 38248773 PMCID: PMC10817300 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010072] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is a distinctive form of cicatricial alopecia characterized by gradual hairline recession, predominantly affecting postmenopausal individuals, thus implying a potential hormonal origin. This narrative review, spanning 2000 to 2023, delves into PubMed literature, focusing on the menopausal and hormonal status of women with FFA. The objective is to unravel the intricate nature of FFA and its plausible associations with hormonal dysregulations in women. While menopause remains a pivotal demographic characteristic linked to FFA, existing data suggest that its hormonal imbalances may not fully account for the development of FFA. Conversely, substantial evidence indicates a strong association between a reduction in fertile years, particularly through surgical interventions leading to an abrupt hormonal imbalance, and FFA in women. Additionally, exposure to hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives has shown varying degrees of association with FFA. Gynecologists should maintain a heightened awareness regarding the ramifications of their interventions and their pivotal role in overseeing women's fertility, recognizing the potential influence on the progression of FFA. The recurrent theme of hormonal disruption strongly implies a causal connection between alterations in sex hormones and FFA in women. Nevertheless, this relationship's extent and underlying mechanisms remain subjects of ongoing debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Maria Roman
- Dermatology Department, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.R.); (F.Ș.)
| | - Răzvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Urology, “Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele” Clinical Hospital, 050659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrașcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea-Iuliana Ionescu (Miron)
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Medical Oncology, Colțea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Șandru
- Dermatology Department, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.R.); (F.Ș.)
- Department of Dermatovenerology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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