As experts in hair replacement and restoration, our DFW-based team sees a variety of different hair loss patterns, with our consumers suffering from balding, receding hairline and other forms of hair loss for various reasons.
In this article, Folicure hair replacement experts discuss a lesser-known form of hair loss: traction alopecia.
What is traction alopecia?
While it is widely believed that hair loss is purely genetic, there are some lifestyle factors that can lead to hair loss. Stress, poor diet, and certain health conditions are among these factors, but a less commonly discussed cause of hair loss called traction alopecia is the result of anything putting pressure or pulling on your hair, such as: B. too tight ponytails or wearing tight hats often.
What are the symptoms of traction alopecia?
Unlike normal age-related hair loss, traction alopecia has symptoms in addition to hair loss, including:
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reddening of the scalp
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bumps
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Pain or stinging of the scalp
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itching
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scaling
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Inflammation of the hair follicles known as folliculitis
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pus-filled blisters on the scalp
Without intervention, the affected hair follicles will eventually become so damaged and scarred that they can no longer produce new strands of hair, resulting in bald patches in those areas.
In addition, the pattern of traction alopecia is usually different from that of other forms of hair loss. While other forms of alopecia usually affect the entire scalp, starting at the hairline or crown of the head, traction alopecia usually only affects the hair that is being pulled. This can lead to uneven hair loss patterns, which are usually most concentrated on the front and sides of your scalp.
What Causes Traction Alopecia? prevention and treatment
Fortunately, traction alopecia is a preventable condition. The causes of traction alopecia are activities that often involve pulling the hair too tight. This contains:
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wearing tight ponytails or buns
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I wear cornrows that are too tight, box…
