Chemically induced cosmetic alopecia

Cosmetic causes of scarring alopecia are poorly documented. They include traction alopecia and hot-combing. Recently, another group has presented in the South London area, related to misuse of chemical hair straightening agents. Affected patients are young, female, of Afro-Caribbean origin, and typically display hair loss on the vertex of the scalp. Histology shows a pattern of fibrosis and inflammation characteristic of the physical damage seen with other cosmetic procedures. This histological pattern is distinguishable from other non-cosmetic causes of scarring alopecia.