One of the more common questions I get as a dermatologist is, "will
I go bald from scalp inflammation?" Scalp inflammation, also called
alopecia areata, can be a very frustrating condition. It can cause
sudden hair loss in patches anywhere on the body, including the scalp.
While it is not a life-threatening condition, it can be very
distressing. There are many different treatments for alopecia areata,
and in most cases the hair will grow back. However, in some cases the
hair loss is permanent. So, the question remains, can scalp
inflammation cause permanent hair loss?
The short answer is that we don't know. There is no clear answer
because there is no good research on the topic. We do know that
inflammatory conditions of the scalp can lead to hair loss. And we
know that in some cases of alopecia areata, the hair loss is permanent.
But we don't have any clear evidence that one causes the other.
That being said, there are some theories about how scalp
inflammation could cause permanent hair loss. One theory is that the
inflammation damages the hair follicles, making them unable to produce
hair. Another theory is that the inflammation triggers an autoimmune
response that attacks the hair follicles. Neither of these theories has
been proven, but they offer a potential explanation for how scalp
inflammation could cause permanent hair loss.
If you are experiencing sudden hair loss, it's important to see a Board Certified Dermatologist or other medical provider to rule out other potential causes and determine the best treatment for you. While alopecia areata is not a life-threatening condition, it can be devastating to experience sudden hair loss. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with alopecia areata will see their hair grow back. However, in some cases the hair loss may be permanent. If you're concerned about permanent hair loss from scalp inflammation, talk to your dermatologist about your concerns and ask if a referral to a specialist is appropriate.
While scalp inflammation can be a cause of hair loss, it's often difficult to determine whether the inflammation is the direct cause of the hair loss, or if it's a symptom of another underlying condition.
If you're concerned about hair loss, the best thing to do is to talk to a doctor or dermatologist who can help determine the cause and recommend treatment options.