3 Treatment Goals to Discuss With CCCA Hair Loss

Watching the center of your scalp become harder to cover can make every hairstyle feel like a decision about who will notice. If your diagnosis is central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, or CCCA, ask what each part of treatment is meant to accomplish.

Three treatment goals

1. Control inflammation. A dermatologist may prescribe topical or injected corticosteroids or other medicines. Some antibiotics are used for their anti-inflammatory effects. Ask which medicine addresses inflammation and how the team will assess its response.¹

2. Reduce further loss. Follow-up helps the dermatologist review progress and adjust treatment. Gentle hair care may also be recommended. The cause of CCCA is not fully understood; hair practices should not be treated as proof that you caused the condition.¹

3. Discuss regrowth realistically. Regrowth may be possible, especially with earlier care, but treatment goals depend on the stage of the condition. Minoxidil may be included alongside treatment for inflammation. Ask what improvement is realistic in your case.¹

Give each product a purpose

Bring a list of prescriptions, nonprescription scalp products and styling practices. Ask the clinician to explain which items belong in the plan and which ones you should put aside.

You can request a written routine with the review date beside it. If the instructions do not fit your work schedule or the help available at home, say so before leaving. Ask how to contact the team with questions between visits.

Hair, Everywhere includes a monthly Hair Log. Use it to organize observations for follow-up without making the log a verdict on treatment success. See the book.