SCARRING HAIR LOSS AT THE HAIRLINE

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA)

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a form of scarring alopecia in which the hairline gradually recedes. The eyebrows often become thinner as well. Because inflammation can permanently damage hair follicles, early recognition and professional assessment are important.

Vrouw met een subtiel terugwijkende frontotemporale haarlijn passend bij frontale fibroserende alopecie

In brief

FFA is a form of scarring alopecia that primarily affects the front and lateral hairlines.
A receding hairline, loss of eyebrows, and redness or scaling around hairs can be indicators.
Damaged hair follicles can no longer form new hairs; lost hair usually does not grow back.
Treatment is primarily aimed at inhibiting inflammation and stabilizing further deterioration.
TRIX Basic does not have a product for FFA. Medical assessment at a specialized hair clinic is important to potentially limit further permanent hair loss.

Illustratie van haarzakjes die geleidelijk verdwijnen door littekenvorming bij FFA.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Why does FFA cause permanent hair loss?

In FFA, an inflammatory reaction develops around the upper parts of the hair follicles. This can damage the structures needed for new hair growth, which are eventually replaced by scar tissue.

When a hair follicle has become completely scarred, no new hair can grow there. Therefore, the focus is not on restoring lost hair, but on identifying and slowing active disease as early as possible.

RECOGNIZABLE PATTERNS

How do you recognise frontal fibrosing alopecia?

A gradual, band-like recession of the hairline at the forehead and temples is characteristic. The skin in front of the new hairline may appear smooth and lighter, with fewer visible hair follicle openings.

Thinning or disappearing eyebrows are common and may sometimes begin before the hairline changes. Eyelashes or body hair may also be affected, but this does not happen to everyone.

View hair loss patterns in women

Vrouw toont een terugwijkende haarlijn en dunnere wenkbrauwen bij frontale fibroserende alopecie

Subtiele roodheid en schilfering rond haren aan een terugwijkende haargrens

ACTIVE INFLAMMATION

What symptoms may indicate activity?

Redness and fine scaling around individual hairs along the hairline may indicate active inflammation. Some people experience itching, burning, tenderness, or pain, while others have few or no symptoms.

The absence of symptoms does not rule out active FFA. Similar changes can also occur with other forms of hair loss; therefore, assessing a photo alone is insufficient for a reliable diagnosis.

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW

How is the diagnosis made?

A dermatologist assesses the pattern of hair loss, the hairline, eyebrows, and skin. Trichoscopy can make features such as loss of follicular openings, redness, and scaling around hairs more visible.

If there is any doubt, a small skin biopsy may be needed to assess scarring and the pattern of inflammation under a microscope. Sometimes FFA and androgenetic alopecia coexist, making careful assessment especially important.

Dermatoloog onderzoekt de frontale haargrens van een vrouw met een dermatoscoop

Dermatoloog bespreekt controlefoto’s van de haargrens met een patiënte

BRAKING AND STABILIZING

What treatment is possible?

Treatment is determined individually by a physician and is primarily aimed at reducing inflammation and slowing further recession. Possible options include topical treatments, injections into the skin, or systemic medication. The appropriate approach depends on the activity and extent of the condition.

TRIX Basic does not have a supplement or other product that can treat FFA or reduce the underlying inflammation. Because damaged hair follicles usually do not recover, we recommend having possible FFA assessed as early as possible by a specialized hair clinic, such as Intermedica.

TRIX Basic does not provide a solution for FFA

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a medical form of scar alopecia. Nutritional supplements and cosmetic hair products cannot treat the underlying inflammation or restore lost hair follicles. Therefore, we advise having a receding hairline, eyebrow loss, or signs of inflammation assessed as soon as possible by a specialized hair clinic, such as Intermedica.

Questions about frontal fibrosing alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a chronic form of scarring alopecia. Inflammation around the hair follicles causes permanent damage and hair loss, particularly along the front and sides of the hairline.

When hair follicles have been completely replaced by scar tissue, hair usually does not grow back there. Early treatment is therefore primarily aimed at limiting further permanent damage.

FFA most often occurs in postmenopausal women, but it can also occur before menopause and in men. The exact cause is unknown.

That cannot be determined reliably based on the pattern alone. A dermatologist examines the hairline and scalp using trichoscopy and may recommend a skin biopsy if there is any doubt.

Treatment can reduce active inflammation and attempt to slow further deterioration. There is no universally effective treatment; the choice is determined individually by a doctor.

Have a receding hairline assessed if your eyebrows are also thinning, redness or flaking is visible around the hairs, or the change is progressing. Early recognition is important because the damage may be permanent.

MEDICAL EVALUATION RECOMMENDED

Suspect FFA? Don’t wait to get assessed

TRIX Basic does not have a product that treats frontal fibrosing alopecia. Because FFA can permanently damage hair follicles, we recommend having changes to the hairline or eyebrows professionally assessed. At a specialized hair clinic, such as Intermedica, a doctor can determine whether FFA is present and which medical approach is appropriate.

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