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Leucoderma secondary to wig wearing
Yifei Feng1, Yan Lu1, Haoyang Wang1
1Department of Dermatology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|August 1, 2022
Summary
Extensive hair loss and scalp depigmentation were observed, potentially linked to wig adhesive use. This finding suggests a need to consider cosmetic product interactions in diagnosing hair loss conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
Background:
- Hair loss is a common dermatological concern with various etiologies.
- The use of cosmetic devices like wigs can sometimes lead to scalp complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between wig adhesive use and specific patterns of hair loss and scalp changes.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of the scalp for hair density, hair morphology, and skin pigmentation.
- Correlation of observed scalp findings with patient's reported use of wig adhesives.
Main Results:
- Observed extensive hair loss characterized by clustered short vellus hairs.
- Identified a well-demarcated band of depigmentation on the scalp margins, mirroring the shape of wig adhesives.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that wig adhesives may cause traction alopecia and secondary depigmentation.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the causal relationship and explore preventative measures for wig-related scalp damage.
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