Traction Alopecia: Clinical and Cultural Patterns

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Trichology

Background:

• Traction alopecia is a prevalent yet frequently underestimated hair loss disorder.
• It is often linked to hairstyling practices and is preventable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patients diagnosed with traction alopecia.
• To identify demographic features, clinical patterns, and treatment responses.

Main Methods:

• A study conducted at a Dermatology Center in Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2005 to October 2019.
• Data collected included patient demographics, disease duration, hair styling practices, and clinical presentation.
• Clinical patterns of hair loss were systematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Thirty female patients, aged 6 to 47 years (mean 15.63), were included.
• The majority (70%) were under 16 years old; none had tightly curled hair.
• The fringe sign was observed in 90% of cases, with a generally poor response to therapy.

Conclusions:

• Traction alopecia affects children and adults, linked to cultural hairstyling, and appears to be increasing.
• The fringe sign is a key diagnostic indicator.
• This preventable hair loss can be reversed if detected early, averting permanent scarring alopecia.