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Pressure alopecia

Kate E Davies1, Pd Yesudian

  • 1Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Denbighshire, UK.

International Journal of Trichology
|November 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Postoperative alopecia (PA) is a rare condition causing hair loss after surgery or intensive care. Early detection and head repositioning can prevent permanent hair loss and psychological distress.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Surgical Complications
  • Hair Loss Disorders

Background:

  • Postoperative or pressure alopecia (PA) is an infrequently reported condition.
  • It is associated with head immobilization during surgery or prolonged intensive care unit stays.
  • PA can be considered analogous to a healed pressure ulcer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize published cases of postoperative or pressure alopecia.
  • To analyze its occurrence in pediatric and various surgical contexts (cardiac, gynecological, abdominal, facial).
  • To highlight clinical manifestations, potential sequelae, and preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature on postoperative or pressure alopecia.
  • Analysis of case reports and series across different surgical specialties and age groups.
  • Synthesis of clinical presentations, management, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • PA presents as scarring or non-scarring alopecia.
  • Manifestations include scalp swelling, tenderness, ulceration, or delayed alopecia with a history of immobilization.
  • The condition can lead to significant long-term psychological distress.

Conclusions:

  • Regular head turning and vigilance are recommended for prophylaxis against permanent alopecia.
  • Further multi-center studies in high-risk patients are needed to elucidate the etiology of PA.
  • Early recognition and intervention are crucial to mitigate the impact of PA.

Keywords:
Alopeciaimmobilizationpostoperative alopeciapressure alopecia

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