Alopecia of the unburned scalp

Alopecia of the unburned scalp, the temporary or permanent loss of hair, is a preventable complication. Patients at highest risk of developing alopecia are those with burn encephalopathy and in a prolonged shock state. The occipital scalp is the most common site and localized pressure-induced ischaemia is the likely cause. Frequent head repositioning and use of devices to decrease the pressure effect may decrease the incidence of this complication.