Hair loss is a common concern for many people. For both men and women, hair loss can be a side effect of medications, a sign of a health issue, a result of heredity, or a part of the natural ageing process. No matter what the cause is, hair loss is more than just an aesthetic concern.
Hair loss or alopecia comes in two main types: scarring hair loss and non-scarring hair loss. If you have no idea whether your hair loss problem is scarring alopecia or non-scarring alopecia, this article is especially for you! Read on to find out what differentiates scarring hair loss and non-scarring hair loss.
What is scarring hair loss?
Scarring hair loss, also called “cicatricial alopecia,” is an inflammatory hair loss condition that causes bald patches on the scalp because of the irreversible destruction of hair follicles. Under this condition, fibrous tissue replaces the underlying tissues inside and surrounding the hair that gets scarred or destroyed. Once the hair follicles are destroyed, the hair can no longer be regrown.
Scarring hair loss often begins as a non-scarring form of alopecia that gradually progresses into irreversible or permanent baldness. There are three main types of scarring hair loss: primary scarring alopecia, secondary scarring alopecia, and developmental or hereditary alopecia. The symptoms of this condition usually vary according to its type. However, some of the most common symptoms of scarring hair loss are as follows:
- Burning of the scalp
- Itchiness on the scalp
- Pain
- Purulent discharge from the scalp
- Patches of scaly and rough skin
- Crusting
- Development of blisters
Available Treatment Options for Scarring Hair Loss
In treating scarring hair loss, the primary goal is to prevent further hair loss and to conceal the bald patches using hair replacement systems or hair wigs for men. Because hair regrowth is not possible with this condition, the treatment is primarily intended to minimise irritation or inflammation symptoms.
When concealing bald patches caused by scarring hair loss, a hair replacement system is an ideal and cost-effective solution. A hair transplant can also be conducted to cover the bald areas, but only if enough donor’s hair is undamaged elsewhere on the scalp and the condition is inactive or no longer progressing. In hair replacement costs in Singapore may vary depending on the specifications of the system.
What is non-scarring hair loss?
Non-scarring hair, also known as “non-cicatricial alopecia,” is more common than scarring hair loss. Unlike with the latter, there is no skin inflammation with non-scarring hair loss, but there can still be significant hair loss. Furthermore, in non-scarring hair loss, the hair follicles are preserved, and the hair still has the potential to regrow.
Non-scarring hair loss is relatively common and can result from various factors, such as genetics, age, certain medical conditions, medications, stress, etc. Like scarring hair loss, non-scarring hair loss comes in different types: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traumatic alopecia, and trichotillomania. This form of hair loss can affect men, women, and children, but it is more common among older men.
Available Treatment Options for Non-Scarring Hair Loss
There are a variety of options available for treating non-scarring hair loss. Usually, your doctor would first need to examine your condition and the patterns of your hair loss to determine the most suitable treatment for you. The most common treatments for non-scarring alopecia are follicular unit transplantation (FUT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, follicular unit extraction (FUE), and micro-pigmentation.
Keep in mind that some types of non-scarring hair loss are just temporary, meaning that although it may take some time for your hair to grow back, it could still eventually look as healthy and full as it did before. Unlike scarring hair loss, treatments can reverse your non-scarring alopecia, and your lost hair will have the potential to grow back without any issues or further hair loss.
Conclusion
Overall, the main difference between scarring hair loss and non-scarring hair loss is that hair regrowth is no longer possible with the former, while the latter can still reverse hair loss. As such, the treatment options for these two conditions also vary. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is vital to identify what specific alopecia form to choose the ideal treatment solution for your condition.
For the most high-quality and natural-looking hair replacement system to treat your permanent hair loss, Rehair Lab is the specialist you can count on! We offer a wide array of top-level modern hair replacement systems that will conceal your bald patches and restore the fullness and beauty of your hair. If you are convinced that a hair replacement system is the most suitable hair loss solution, do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment with us now!