Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Dermatologist2025-01-10T22:16:16+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a type of scarring alopecia which affects the hairline in the front of the scalp

IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS – AND HOW TO TREAT IT

In the videos above, I explain things in a simple way that applies to most people who have frontal fibrosing alopecia. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, you can have your skin carefully examined and get an expert recommendation to help you resolve your condition.

Treatment helps people of all ages take control of their skin condition and get their life back.

How does frontal fibrosing alopecia impact people on a day-by-day basis?

EVEN THOUGH THERE MAY BE NO PHYSICAL SIGNS, HAIR LOSS CAN BE EXTREMELY DISTRESSING

Hair loss affecting your hairline

Your hair loss will be at the front of your scalp, the sides and around your ears, in a band-like distribution. Sometimes, it can affect your eyebrows and hair at other body sites.

People experience frontal fibrosing alopecia in different ways

You may experience itching, redness and scaling of the scalp. You may notice no scalp irritation at all. Though there may be no physical signs, hair loss can be extremely distressing.

frontal fibrosing alopecia hair loss dermatologist berkshire

Your hair loss might always be in the back of your mind

Extreme self-consciousness is common. Is it obvious? Are people staring? Will people still like you if you lose your hair? A person’s hair can be a part of their identify, and that loss of identify can affect every waking moment.

Will your hair grow back?

Unfortunately, as frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring hair loss, any hair that you lose cannot grow back. However, treatment can prevent further hair loss.

Is there any hope at all?

If caught early enough, we can stop frontal fibrosing alopecia in its tracks with suitable treatments. This means that, while there is no cure for frontal fibrosing alopecia, further damage to the hair can be prevented.

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The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183151178 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about frontal fibrosing alopecia

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a type of scarring alopecia which affects the hairline in the front of the scalp. Sometimes, it can also affect the scalp around the ears and the eyebrows.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is thought to be a variant of lichen planopilaris, which involves inflammation and destruction of the hair follicles.

It tends to affect Caucasian postmenopausal women, though it can also affect younger women, men, and people of other ethnicities.

Symptoms include:

  • hair loss affecting your hairline at the front of the scalp, the sides and around the ears, in a band-like distribution
  • sometimes, it affects your eyebrows and hair at other body sites.
  • you may experience itching, redness and scaling of the scalp
  • you may notice no scalp irritation at all.

Though there may be no physical signs, hair loss can be extremely distressing.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is thought to be an autoimmune condition.

Lymphocytes (cells that are part of the body’s immune defence system) attack the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Genetic and possibly hormonal factors might play a part.

I take a careful history and examination of your scalp to look for evidence of hair loss and scarring.

Sometimes, I will advise taking photographs and some measurements at baseline to help monitor your future progress.

You may require a scalp biopsy so that we can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments include:

  • an ultrapotent topical steroid application to affected areas. This can often be combined with oral treatments
  • alternatively, topical Tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment can be used to suppress local inflammation
  • I often use certain antibiotics called tetracyclines (for example, Doxycycline) for prolonged courses due to their anti-inflammatory effects
  • Hydroxychloroquine, which is an antimalarial drug, can be very effective in switching off activity in frontal fibrosing alopecia. You may require a 6-month initial course to see whether this is effective
  • I sometimes use immunosuppressive tablets (for example, mycophenolate mofetil) when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Wigs, hairpieces, extensions, and hair fibres can be particularly helpful in managing this condition.

“Can my frontal fibrosing alopecia be cured?”

Unfortunately, there is no cure for frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Dermatologists aim treatments at stopping further hair loss and scarring.

In most cases, the condition eventually burns itself out after some years.

“Can I grow back the hair that I’ve lost?”

Unfortunately, as frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring hair loss, any hair that you lose cannot grow back. However, treatment can prevent further hair loss.

“Where can I get more information and support?”

Patient support group:

Alopecia UK
Tel: 0800 101 7025
E-mail: info@alopecia.org.uk

You can find further useful information on:

“What else can I do?”

Some hairdressers specialise in hair systems for hair loss/alopecia.

You can use extensions in long hair through certain specialist hair salons.

If you have extensive hair loss, you may find a weave or wig helpful. There are some extremely realistic choices nowadays. You can also obtain a wig via an NHS prescription.

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Questions and answers

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About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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