any have Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?

tHENATuRALhAiRpRoJEcT

Well-Known Member
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia <<anyone ever diagnosed with this? and resolved it?

Some hairstyling processes, such as chemical relaxers and repeated use of heated styling tools, can actually cause a type of reversible and preventable hair loss condition called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.

Two forms of “traumatic” hair loss can occur because of improper styling and grooming practices, and African-American women are culturally predisposed to both conditions. Traction alopecia is caused by styling and wearing hair pulled so tight that hair follicles are damaged. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), the subject of this article, results from the use of either constant heated styling close to the scalp or irritating chemical processes, or both; hair loss typically occurs at the crown area of the head and can go unnoticed until patients report pain in their scalp. Although the exact cause of this type of hair loss is “idiopathic,” meaning “from no proven or known cause,” doctors make this determination by taking a careful patient history and physical examination in combination with the patient’s cultural perceptions to determine this diagnosis and an appropriate course of action. You can prevent hair loss such as CCCA by learning simple hair loss prevention methods.

Signs and symptoms of CCCA

  • Is your scalp dry, flaky and sensitive after getting your hair relaxed?
  • Does your scalp get sore?
  • Are you noticing any thinning on the top of your head?
  • Do you use heated styling tools every day?
How did I lose my hair?

One form of this type of alopecia occurs from a process at the salon, such as the application of a relaxer that was overprocessed and may eventually cause the hairs to just break off midshaft, explains Diahna Husbands, [URL="javascript:void(0)"]hair replacement specialist[/URL] and owner of Diahna Lynn Hair Studios in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Dr. Valerie Callender, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, specialist in African-American skin and hair disorders, and director of the Callender Skin & Laser Center, also in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, adds that the inflammatory condition and permanent scarring of the skin can damage hair follicles to the point of killing them, thereby causing hair loss.

Sometimes called hot comb alopecia or follicular degeneration syndrome, CCCA is caused by multiple factors and has a large cultural predisposition factor involving unique hair care and styling practices that result in this type of hair loss. Many times the condition remains unknown because most women cannot see the very top and back of their head, called the crown, and it will go unnoticed until they feel pain and soreness or they notice the hair loss or someone else, such as a friend or hair stylist, alerts them to a problem. Some women may mistakenly think it is female-pattern [URL="javascript:void(0)"]baldness[/URL] and not seek medical intervention, but if they practice a lot of chemical or heated styling, they need to be on the alert for this condition. Callender explains that if caught early, it can be reversed. “We can scalp biopsy and look at the follicles to determine the severity of the condition,” she adds.

Will my hair grow back?

As Dr. Callender explains, your hair will grow back if you have diagnosed the problem early enough, “but you have to immediately stop what you are doing that is causing the condition!” Along with changing styling habits and forgoing all heated styling tools and chemical processes, whether at home or in a salon, the most common course of action is oral and topical antibiotics followed by cortisone injections and/or topical cortisone cream to reduce the inflammation that is damaging the follicles, notes Callender. “After that, we may prescribe Rogaine to stimulate quicker regrowth at 2 percent, generally, or 5 percent depending on the amount and severity of the hair follicle trauma. And the great thing about Rogaine for this type of alopecia is that once follicles regain their health and start growing, it will no longer be necessary. It’s one time we can prescribe Rogaine for temporary results that last.”

The bottom line


Therapeutic options for these patients range from changing current hair styling practices or products to the use of specific medical treatments to, in severe cases where hair loss is permanent, undergoing hair replacement surgery, says Callender.

If you notice any signs of oversensitivity, such as itchiness, redness or flaking directly after a treatment at the salon, definitely call your stylist immediately, advises Husbands. “She may be able to neutralize or reverse the process. And she (and you) should make a note of what did not work for your hair, so she can try a different formula the next time. Otherwise, you may need to find a more skilled stylist.” Finally, if you experience burns, scalp sensitivity or hair thinning of any kind, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
 
Last edited:
I have been diagnosed with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia by Dr. Callendar. I just went today. I have a golf ball size bald patch that has progressed over the last 4 years which started with just a breakage of hair that was no big deal. Over the years the patch went from a nickel size to what I have now. I tried the essential oil blend with no avail. It started to spread more since the summer. I am natural so no heat or chemicals to blame. She stated that it is a condition AA women have and mine was in the early stages because there were no completely bald spots. I was prescribed an ointment to rub every other day and a shampoo once a week. Hope it helps.
 
I have never been officially diagnosed but from the symptoms it sounds like what I have. Even years after the relaxer my scalp gets sore. I didn't notice it until a few years ago when I was trying to twist my hair and realized I didn't have hair in spots to twists.

Fortunately you caught it early. You should be able to turn it around. I already had a very large bald spot and was still able to make some progress.
 
[USER=25967 said:
Newtogrow[/USER];18051475]faithVA, what did you use to see progress and how long did it take. My derm tells me patience is key (6 mos).

Your derm is right. Patience is key. This issue has developed over years, you have to commit to taking as much time as needed to reverse it.

You said you tried the oil blend, how long did you do it? How many times per week did you use it? Did you use Nonie's recipe?

I am highly sensitive to a lot of things so I just kept mine simple.
1. I used my own version of an oil blend at the beginning. Combination of oils and essential oils. I applied this the night before wash day or before I put in my DC and sat under my heat cap for 30 minutes. I also applied 2x a week between wash days.

2. I started giving myself scalp massages at least 3x a week. Daily would work better but I never do it daily. But it would produce better massages.

3. I started detoxing my scalp with Terressentials mudwash or with a detox clay I bought from Morocco method. I do this 1x to 2x a month.

4. I started using AO conditioners because they are also scalp treatments. I DC weekly and massage the conditioner into my scalp and sit under my heat cap for 30 minutes.

5. I started cowashing at least 1x a week, sometimes 2x a week. Because when my scalp burns or is super itchy, it is telling me it is dry. And the only way to rectify that is to get mass amounts of water on it.

6. I prerinse before shampooing and make sure I really massage my scalp under running water.

My results have not been fast because I do it at a pace I can really keep up for the long term.

Here is my album to show the progression: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/album.php?albumid=7621


But since you are catching your early you shouldn't have to do all of that. But you do have to be consistent.

The oil helped but I think the key for me is to make sure I am getting water on my scalp more frequently along with using something as a scalp treatment on wash day. Then adding the massages during the week and during the shower.
 
[USER=25967 said:
Newtogrow[/USER];18051689]faithVA, I'm speechless! This is amazing progress and I see it took about 6 months.

I was speechless when I realized I was bald :lol: It wasn't funny then :nono: I was like :blush:

It probably took 6 months to see the initial progress. But I am still working on it. So I am estimating 2.5 years from bald to restored scalp. I still have that section you can see in the middle. It is no longer bald but it is thin and damaged. I am thinking it will take me through the end of the year to heal it. And another year to stabilize it. But I'm pacing myself.

I do think you can reverse yours within a reasonable time frame, maybe 6 months by being consistent with whatever regimen you choose.

Obviously I believe it can be done :yep:

Get to work young lady!!!
 
Your derm is right. Patience is key. This issue has developed over years, you have to commit to taking as much time as needed to reverse it.

You said you tried the oil blend, how long did you do it? How many times per week did you use it? Did you use Nonie's recipe?

I use the cedarwood, thyme and ....... can't think of the other oil blend in olive oil or castor oil. I was massaging all throughout the day most days.

I am highly sensitive to a lot of things so I just kept mine simple.
1. I used my own version of an oil blend at the beginning. Combination of oils and essential oils. I applied this the night before wash day or before I put in my DC and sat under my heat cap for 30 minutes. I also applied 2x a week between wash days.

2. I started giving myself scalp massages at least 3x a week. Daily would work better but I never do it daily. But it would produce better massages.

The doc gave me an ointment for daily/every other day massage.

3. I started detoxing my scalp with Terressentials mudwash or with a detox clay I bought from Morocco method. I do this 1x to 2x a month.

I have to look into this, my doc gave me a shampoo for once a week.

4. I started using AO conditioners because they are also scalp treatments. I DC weekly and massage the conditioner into my scalp and sit under my heat cap for 30 minutes.

Which conditioner AO do you use? I will incorporate this too!!!!

5. I started cowashing at least 1x a week, sometimes 2x a week. Because when my scalp burns or is super itchy, it is telling me it is dry. And the only way to rectify that is to get mass amounts of water on it.

I like this idea!

6. I prerinse before shampooing and make sure I really massage my scalp under running water.

My results have not been fast because I do it at a pace I can really keep up for the long term.

Here is my album to show the progression: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/album.php?albumid=7621


But since you are catching your early you shouldn't have to do all of that. But you do have to be consistent.

I don't know how early I caught it, I've been working on this for two years without results. It's been spreading. But now, especially after seeing your progress, I will be consistent!

The oil helped but I think the key for me is to make sure I am getting water on my scalp more frequently along with using something as a scalp treatment on wash day. Then adding the massages during the week and during the shower.

I think the water is essential. What style do you wear if you're rinsing your hair 2x weekly?

From viewing your pics, it seems as though you have the same condition (not a dr. of course). Thank you immensely for this!!! Hopefully this helps others as well. I will try to post a pic in this thread.
 
[USER=25967 said:
Newtogrow[/USER];18052009]From viewing your pics, it seems as though you have the same condition (not a dr. of course). Thank you immensely for this!!! Hopefully this helps others as well. I will try to post a pic in this thread.

There is a healthy crown and edges challenge if you want to read up on what other ladies are doing. I definitely think having progress pictures and talking about it is helpful. I think there are lurkers who have this problem and may feel uncomfortable.

I don't mind sharing because I want women to know that it is possible to reverse even when it looks bad.

I'm glad your doctor said your condition could improve. Many doctors aren't knowledgeable and tell women that there isn't much they can do.

Keep us posted on your progress.
 
There is a healthy crown and edges challenge if you want to read up on what other ladies are doing. I definitely think having progress pictures and talking about it is helpful. I think there are lurkers who have this problem and may feel uncomfortable.

I don't mind sharing because I want women to know that it is possible to reverse even when it looks bad.

I'm glad your doctor said your condition could improve. Many doctors aren't knowledgeable and tell women that there isn't much they can do.

Keep us posted on your progress.

I will post my progress when it occurs! I will admit I was feeling a bit defeated but I now know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for the help.
 
[USER=104981 said:
McQuay30[/USER];18060625]WOW, great progress@faithVA, i noticed u used AO cond, which ones r u using? U low po, right?

Thank You!

Yes I am low porosity. I use the AO Blue Chamomile as my DC. And the AO White Camellia as my cowash conditioner. I just starte using the White Camellia again. But I use the AO conditioners because they work well on my scalp as well as my hair.
 
[USER=104981 said:
McQuay30[/USER];18069189]@faithVA, did your scalp feel sore with the massages?

Sorry just got back online today. No the massages don't make my scalp feel sore. If my scalp is sore already I may apply a product but I will massage gently. All of my massages are gentle because I don't think they have to be rigorous to work. Sometimes I don't even move the fingers I just move the scalp under my fingers. The products I use are usually soothing.

If my scalp did become sore with massaging I would stop immediately and let my scalp recover. It doesn't need to be in any more stress than it is already.
 
When i put emu oil straight on my scalp it feels sore n itchy.

Sometimes my scalp feels itchy when I use my oil treatment. If it itches 2 days in a row, I will cowash and it feels better. Is your entire scalp sore or just certain areas?
 
[USER said:
McQuay30;18089451[/USER]]Yes just itchy in that area only

I don't have a good answer for that one. The itchiness I don't worry about so much. But the soreness does worry me. When I use my castor oil blend sometimes it will feel sore. If it is sore for more than 2 days I will cowash or at least try to get that area hydrated.
 
My bald spot has progressed. I think it has come from me rubbing the medicine that the dermatologist has given me. I went from a patch to bald with fine hairs. I'm going to be careful to massage and not rub.

I'm braiding my hair now with my own hair as it is easier to wash with the braids in. I'm also going to go to Sally's to see about Toppiks and the spray to camoflauge the spot.
 
Glad I found this thread. I went to see my dermatologist a couple weeks ago and she diagnosed me with this. My scalp goes through moments when it is sore and itchy and I have a couple of nickel size bald spots. The crown of my hair is thinner and less dense than the rest of my hair as well. I've been a little bummed out about this but I'm glad that I know and that I caught it in the early phase. The derm said the balding can eventually spread to cookie or pancake size in my crown area so I am now motivated to work on combating this. I'm focusing more on the things that I can control such as healthier hair styling practices, simpler hair care regimen, better diet, lowering stress, taking Biotin etc. At this point I'm trying to educate myself more on this condition. She said it's caused by inflammation of the upper hair follicle. (which I guess is what causes my tenderness and soreness) She said the one thing I need to eliminate is relaxers. Fortunately I am natural and have been relaxer free for about 3 years...but I can't help but think that the 15+ years of relaxing probably took its toll on my scalp already.

I'll post updates on how things go. I've decided to completely stop sew ins from now on. My scalp can't take it anymore. Some days I can barely take a comb going through the crown of my head, smh. So instead of sew ins...occasionally I'll wear a wig if I want to switch things up a bit but otherwise, I just leave my hair alone for now.
 
It's funny that before I went to see the derm, I had been experiencing these symptoms for quite a while...and it was the MHM that gave me relief and made my scalp feel brand new....I had fell off from the MHM for a little while these past few months, now that I'm aware of this alopecia condition I'm going to resume the MHM because I think that it did wonders for my scalp.

**Another thing, I forgot to mention above, is that I encourage everyone to always check your scalp or have a friend or family member do so for you. I would have never known about the bald spots unless someone told me and I made the mistake of ignoring my sore spots and thinking I was just tender-headed. I cannot believe all these years I was ignoring something more serious.
 
Glad I found this thread. I went to see my dermatologist a couple weeks ago and she diagnosed me with this. My scalp goes through moments when it is sore and itchy and I have a couple of nickel size bald spots. The crown of my hair is thinner and less dense than the rest of my hair as well. I've been a little bummed out about this but I'm glad that I know and that I caught it in the early phase. The derm said the balding can eventually spread to cookie or pancake size in my crown area so I am now motivated to work on combating this. I'm focusing more on the things that I can control such as healthier hair styling practices, simpler hair care regimen, better diet, lowering stress, taking Biotin etc. At this point I'm trying to educate myself more on this condition. She said it's caused by inflammation of the upper hair follicle. (which I guess is what causes my tenderness and soreness) She said the one thing I need to eliminate is relaxers. Fortunately I am natural and have been relaxer free for about 3 years...but I can't help but think that the 15+ years of relaxing probably took its toll on my scalp already.

I'll post updates on how things go. I've decided to completely stop sew ins from now on. My scalp can't take it anymore. Some days I can barely take a comb going through the crown of my head, smh. So instead of sew ins...occasionally I'll wear a wig if I want to switch things up a bit but otherwise, I just leave my hair alone for now.

It will get better. As you continue loving your scalp, the pain will go away, the hair will grow in and your hair will thrive.
 
I'm am recovering from this now and it was due to hair color. I have to step back from relaxing and hair coloring to get my scalp back in order. I am making good progress. My crown area was severely broken and had bald patches. The hair is growing back now and it has taken six months to see progress. I use castor oil blend and massage that in 2-3 times a week. I shampoo my hair every 3-5 days. I'm also taking a hair vitamin.
 
I'm am recovering from this now and it was due to hair color. I have to step back from relaxing and hair coloring to get my scalp back in order. I am making good progress. My crown area was severely broken and had bald patches. The hair is growing back now and it has taken six months to see progress. I use castor oil blend and massage that in 2-3 times a week. I shampoo my hair every 3-5 days. I'm also taking a hair vitamin.

@shortdub78 How were you or your doctor able to narrow down the cause of your alopecia? When I went to see my dermatologist she did not discuss doing a scalp biopsy. I have read a lot of articles that suggested doing so. I wonder if that could help me figure out more information about my condition.
 
I went to my primary. He told me to stop coloring and relaxing my hair. He did blood work to make sure it wasn autoiumme. I was having issues with circulation in my legs. He didn't do anything major. I know the soreness and tenderness would come from trying to go longer without shampooing, too much product and oil in that area/cornrows. I wish I could post pics.
 
Back
Top