Traction Alopecia - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction Alopecia is a disorder causing hair loss due to stain put on the hair, tight ponytail, pigtails, or braids or other unusual hair styles. It is seen more commonly seen in women, particularly in East Indian and Black patients and usually in children, young adults, and adults.

Traction alopecia is also known as traumatic alopecia.

The 2 types of traction alopecia are marginal and nonmarginal.

Causes of Traction Alopecia

• Telogen conversion
• Long term hair pulling and breakage due to very tight hair braiding, hair weaves and cornrows
• Over use of hair softeners such as permanent wave solutions
• Repetitive application of hot combs
• Chemical treatment of hair with dyes, bleaches, or straighteners

Symptoms of Traction Alopecia

• Itching and dandruff
• Cicatrization (scarring) of the new hair follicle and permanent hair loss
• Patchy areas of hair loss
• Perifollicular erythema, scales, and pustules on scalp

Traction Alopecia Treatment

• Topical or oral antibiotics to prevent inflammation and infection
• Surgical hair transplantation procedures such as punch grafting, flap rotation
• Diet with sufficient levels of iron and protein for normal hair growth