معلومات عن Traction Alopecia

a Candrice R. Heath, MD, Caroline N. Robinson, BS and Roopal V. Kundu, MD  
Traction Alopecia is a form of hair loss due to repeated traction or pulling of the hair. This type of hair loss is common among people with skin of color, especially African-American women, and is even seen in young girls with tightly pulled hairstyles.  However, traction alopecia may be seen among all ethnic groups and ages.  Ballerinas, gymnasts, military personnel and certain professionals are required to wear their hair pulled back, which may lead to traction alopecia.  Even those with natural hairstyles, like locks, may get traction alopecia from the weight of the hair pulling on the scalp.    
What is the cause of traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia can be caused by wearing the same hairstyle for long periods of time, especially those that tug on the hair (e.g., braids, weaves, corn rows, tight pony-tails, heavy locks, hair rollers, etc. The constant pulling on the hair causes loosening of the hair from the follicles1 and sometimes bumps, redness and tenderness.  The prolonged inflammation and repeated hair tension may lead to gradual hair loss and scarring of the hair follicles.    
How do I know if I have traction alopecia?
 Early on, you may notice small flesh colored or white bumps (folliculitis) where the hair is pulled most tightly.2 Shortly thereafter, symmetric hair loss ensues. The hair loss is usually most noticeable around the hairline.  So called baby (i.e., vellus) hairs are spared and there are often broken hairs present throughout the area of hair loss.1 Initially, traction alopecia is temporary, but if hairstyling habits are unchanged, there may be permanent hair loss.  It is best to talk with your dermatologist if you think that you may have traction alopecia.  
What treatments are available for traction alopecia?
In the early stages, the best treatment for traction alopecia is to limit or eliminate any hairstyles that pull on the hair and to wear hear loosely overnight.3  The presence of scalp tenderness, bumps or inflammation may be treated with topical antibiotics or topical corticosteroids. For moderate to severe traction alopecia, more aggressive treatments such as oral antibiotics, injected corticosteroids or topical minoxidil may be necessary.2  Once scarring is present, hair transplantation may be one of the few available options. The best treatment of traction alopecia is prevention.