Hot comb alopecia

Hello!! I am really glad that I found this site! If none of you are familiar with "hot comb alopecia", the following are other names of the same condition: follicular degenerating syndrome, progressive fibrosing perrifolliculitis, and psedo balaf.

I am African American and was told by my dermatologist that this was a condition that mostly affected African Americans. However, she did say that it was neither race or gender biased. As you all know there is hardly any info about this.

I am not sure if this is the same exact condition being discussed in most of these threads, but the different types of alopecia are very similar.

I was diagnose about 2 months ago. I have a biospy scheduled next week. I am a 26 year old female, and have been suffering with this for nearly 8 years. As of Dec 18, 1999 I no longer apply any chemicals to my hair or scalp and have switched to all natural products.

My post is getting lengthy, so I will stop here. If there are any questions, comments, advice, or info, please don't hesitate to respond!

Hoping to hear from you soon,
Shakera

Anyone can get hot comb alopecia, male, female, race, doesn't matter. However, it more frequently shows up in African Amercian women because of the styling methods favored. Hot combs, brush rollers, tight braided styles etc. put a lot of stress on hair and the hair follicles. These may cause traction alopecia / follicular degeneration when the styling methods are used over several years.

It can be reversible if the styling methods are changed in time, but somtimes it is a permanent loss. The biopsy should both confirm the diagnosis and also indicate whether some recovery is possible. As you say, there is very little info. on what exactly happens in hot comb alopecia and how the follicles come to be destroyed.
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Kevin - The management - keratin.com

Hot comb alopecia

I am a Caucasion 50ish female who was recently diagnosed with follicular degeneration syndrome, based on two biopsies. My dermatologist has prescribed an antibiotic (Monodox or doxycycline)and cortisone ointment/cream to be applied to the scalp twice daily. This may be continued for as long as one year. Apparently I have had it for some years but I didn't take action until I noticed the thinning in the crown area limited my styling options. I was assured that this treatment regimen is recommended by the top expert in the country and that it should prevent further hair loss and scarring.

Hi. I have recently been diagnosed with follicular degeneration. I have been having a problem with hair loss for many years without knowing what was wrong. My dermatologist has given me cortisone injections but it doesn't seem to be helping. Any information that anyone has on this type of hair loss would be helpful. Also, I would love to know how any African American women with this problem, are wearing their hair.

Thanks,
Lisa

HAIR LOSS!

I am suffering from extreme hair loss, which I am starting to think is none other than Alopecia Areata which is similar to Hot Comb Alopeica. My issues started around my pre-teens, I would get these patches, (not bald spots) with basically no length, and was tender to touch..which would come and go. One min my hair was full and thick the next I couldn't wear it down...after research I found STRESS is a main factor, or emotioal heath...it's amazing what stress and not caring for yourself can lead too...my docotor prescribed Cortisone too, but it didn't help...only peace does! Good luck!