Burning, Itching And/Or Tender Scalp? Beware Of This Condition: Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

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WHAT IS IT?Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (also known as CCCA) 

Central = referring to the central (crown) part of the scalp

Centrifugal = a round or circular pattern

Cicatricial = scarring of tissues

Alopecia = hair loss

The most common type of scarring alopecia seen in Black women is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA).  While conservative estimates place the prevalence of CCCA at anywhere from 2.7% to 5.7%, it is likely that the numbers affected are much higher because people with CCCA often remain untreated and suffer in silence with this devastating disease. Wigs and weaves are often used to cover up the effects of this disease but they actually do more damage.

CCCA is progressive, destructive and, if left untreated, the hair loss may be permanent. Early recognition and treatment are critical.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CCCA? 

***CCCA may FEEL like scalp tenderness, burning, and itching usually in the crown area.

***CCCA may LOOK like redness of the scalp, thinning, dry, brittle hair with breakage, and baldness (in the later stages) usually in the crown area.