Spotting Scarring Alopecia Early: A DermatologistS Insights – What Clinicians Need to Know
Washington, DC – Early detection is crucial in managing scarring alopecia, a challenging inflammatory condition leading to permanent hair loss. At the 2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Annual Summer Dermatology Conference, Maria Hordinsky, MD, R.W. Goltz Professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology, shared key insights on identifying this condition in its initial stages.
Red Flags for Clinicians:
According to Dr. Hordinsky,clinicians should be alert to patient-reported symptoms such as pain,burning,or itch localized to a specific area of the scalp.Visually,early signs include inflammation around hair follicles and general redness in the affected area,alongside noticeable hair loss [[1]]. The importance of early intervention was emphasized – catching the condition before it spreads significantly improves management options.
Differentiating Scarring Alopecia from common Conditions:
A common challenge lies in distinguishing scarring alopecia from more prevalent conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Dr.Hordinsky explained that patients with existing seborrheic dermatitis may experience increased inflammation in a specific scalp area when scarring alopecia develops. This localized intensification of inflammation is a key differentiator [[1]].
Understanding Scarring Alopecia:
Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, destroys hair follicles, resulting in scarring and permanent hair loss [[2]]. Diagnosis typically begins with a scalp biopsy to detect inflammation and follicle damage [[3]].
resources for Patients:
for patients requiring wigs as a coping mechanism, local dermatology departments can provide facts on obtaining them, potentially through the NHS [[1]].
