Hair Loss After Wound Healing: Post-Injury Alopecia

Q: Hair Loss After Wound Healing: Post-Injury Alopecia

Hello： Based on your condition, it appears to be inflammation caused by an infection, which may be classified as scarring alopecia. <br>After inflammation, the surrounding soft tissue undergoes fibrosis, leading to severe damage to the hair follicles and resulting in hair loss. <

Hair loss after wound healing?

Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I developed a pimple-like sore on the top of my head.
Unfortunately, I didn't take care of it properly, which led to an infection and inflammation.
The sore became quite deep, and the surrounding area became swollen and red, causing pain throughout my scalp for a week, and I even experienced a fever (once).
Eventually, the sore healed and scabbed over, but the hair around the scab has started to fall out, and the area is getting larger, resembling a dome (about the size of a 5-cent coin).
Could this be due to the hair entering the telogen phase because of the previous injury? I'm very concerned that the hair follicles may be damaged and won't regrow.
Thank you, Doctor.

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/07/30

Dr. Lin Xinpeng reply Dermatology

Hello: Based on your condition, it appears to be inflammation caused by an infection, which may be classified as scarring alopecia.
After inflammation, the surrounding soft tissue undergoes fibrosis, leading to severe damage to the hair follicles and resulting in hair loss.
If scar tissue has already formed, the hair follicles may lose their function and be unable to produce new hair.
Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a dermatology clinic to confirm whether it is scarring alopecia.

Reply Date: 2013/07/30

More Info

Hair loss following wound healing, particularly in the context of scalp injuries, can be a concerning issue for many individuals. In your case, the wound on your scalp, which became infected and inflamed, has led to hair loss in the surrounding area. This situation can be attributed to several factors related to the injury and the body's healing response.

When a wound occurs, especially one that becomes infected, the body initiates a complex healing process. This process involves inflammation, tissue repair, and eventually, the regeneration of hair follicles. However, if the inflammation is severe or prolonged, it can lead to damage to the hair follicles. In your case, the infection and subsequent inflammation likely caused significant stress to the hair follicles in the affected area.

The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). After a traumatic event or significant stress, hair follicles may enter the telogen phase prematurely, leading to a condition known as telogen effluvium. This condition is characterized by increased hair shedding and can occur several weeks to months after the initial injury. However, in your situation, the concern for scarring alopecia (or scarring hair loss) is more pronounced due to the deep nature of the wound and the inflammation you experienced.

Scarring alopecia occurs when the hair follicles are damaged to the point that they are replaced by scar tissue, which does not support hair growth. If the area around your wound has developed scar tissue, it is possible that the hair follicles in that region may be permanently damaged, leading to hair loss that may not be reversible. This is particularly concerning given the size of the bald area you described, which is approximately the size of a five-cent coin.

To address your concerns, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional specializing in hair loss. They can perform a thorough examination of your scalp and may recommend a biopsy to assess the condition of the hair follicles and determine if scarring has occurred. Depending on the findings, treatment options may vary. If scarring alopecia is confirmed, treatments may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, topical minoxidil to stimulate hair growth, or even surgical options such as hair transplantation if the follicles are irreversibly damaged.

In the meantime, it is essential to take care of your scalp to promote healing. Avoid harsh hair products, minimize manipulation of the hair, and consider using gentle shampoos that do not irritate the scalp. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also support overall hair health.

In summary, the hair loss you are experiencing may be due to a combination of factors related to the injury and the body's inflammatory response. While there is a possibility that hair follicles may recover, the risk of permanent damage due to scarring is a valid concern. Seeking professional medical advice is the best course of action to determine the underlying cause and explore potential treatment options.

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