Traction Alopecia?
Among other hair loss conditions, one that has a certain degree of prevalence is traction alopecia. It happens when the hair follicles constantly receive friction such as with dreadlocks, tight braids, tight ponytails, etc. Incessant friction or traction leads to the inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis), which in turn, results in hair loss.
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TA affects men and women although it is more prevalent in women, especially African American women who are observed to be very creative of their hair. Those who suffer from it will gradually lose their hair in affected regions.
Symptoms
Traction alopecia doesn’t occur abruptly. It is marked by damaged hair shafts and bald patches predominately in the hairline and temples. It progresses slowly although without pain.
Diagnosis
Chances of getting TA depend on how long stressful or traumatic dos/hairstyles have been done on the hair. The pattern typical of traction alopecia is also another huge factor.
Hair specialists perform diagnostic tests by applying tension on a small amount of hair shafts and slide their fingers throughout the hair shafts.
Another method is by doing a skin biopsy which may expose perifolliculitis and erythema. The damaged areas are also scaly and bear pustules.
Treatment
Traction alopecia tends to be only temporary. It hardly requires medical attention. The follicles may fully recover by only gradually removing the source of the problem, that is, by doing less stressful hairstyles, or by just letting your hair down. It can also be treated through topical solutions such as minoxidil 2% and betamethasone valerate 0.1% (especially with inflammation). Surgical intervention may be necessary in serious cases of TA.
Prevention
Anyone is susceptible to traction alopecia. To prevent it, one should avoid harsh hairstyles and applying too high a tension to the hair shafts. Another way is to just let your hair down naturally and only tie it when necessary. Lastly, one should lessen the use of hazardous chemicals, which alter the hair’s natural properties.
