Beauty supply stores are filled with miracle cures aimed at the disproportionate number of black women and children suffering from patchy hair loss. Traditional styling practices of braiding, the use of elastic hair bands and chemical straightening have made traction alopecia a common ailment among black children.
What Is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia refers to hair loss caused by placing stress on the hair follicle. Although it is seen in all ethnic groups, it is more common in people who have Afroid hair. Common styling practices such as weaves, cornrows, braids, ponytails or any style that is done too tightly can cause this condition. Likewise, it can also occur due to chemical relaxing. In children, the chief culprits are the use of tight elastic hair bands, cornrows and chemical relaxing. The chemicals weaken the hair shaft and sometimes burn the scalp. Combined with traction, it can be a lethal combination for a child's hair.
Diagnosis
As with any illness, it is necessary to see a physician who specializes in diseases of the hair and skin for proper diagnosis. The physician or dermatologist will look at various signs and symptoms such as thinning around the temples, behind the ears and neck. He or she will also look for any redness, bumps, scabs or shiny raised scarring. Often because the offending styles begin during early infancy, traction alopecia remains undiagnosed, which can result in permanent baldness and disruption of the natural hairline.
Misconceptions
Despite all of the miracle cures aimed at curing baldness, there are no oils, salves, balms or vitamins that will regrow the hair in damaged areas. Often people will attempt to hide the hair loss with the use of extensions and weaves thinking that it will aid in hair growth. Yet because those styles have to be fastened to the scalp with bonding glues or braided, it causes further damage. For traction alopecia, the only way to correct the problem is through early diagnoses and intervention.
Treatment options
Once a child is diagnosed with traction alopecia, the physician may decide on various treatments to alleviate secondary symptoms, as well as hasten repair of the scalp. The first line of treatment involves eradicating the offending styling practices. Reducing tension on the scalp will facilitate growth of the hair and increase blood flow to the scalp. If there are any signs of infection or inflammation, the physician may also prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. Traction alopecia is the only form of hair loss that has proven to be resistant to the benefits of Minoxidil. In cases of permanent hair loss, the only treatment option is surgical hair transplantation.
Awareness Campaigns
Speaking candidly during an interview with "Pediatric News," Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a leading pediatric dermatologist, said, "I would like to see an increase in education to primary care providers to catch it before it starts. They should emphasize avoidance of tight hairstyles." Hence, traction alopecia is a preventable illness.
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