At Almasi Skincare we offer the best central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia treatment in Nairobi Kenya since we combine prescription medications, surgical procedures, over-the-counter products, and lifestyle modifications.
We offer this treatment at the Almasi Hair Clinic located in Fortis Suites on Hospital road, 8th floor, suite 809. We see new clients on Wednesdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 9am.
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What Is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?
Central means at the center of the scalp/head.
Centrifugal means moving away from the center.
Cicatricial means scarring.
Alopecia means hair loss.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is therefore hair loss that begins are the center of the head and spreads outwards and it is due to scarring in the scalp.
CCCA is the most common cause of scarring hair loss in women of African descent.
What Causes Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia?
The exact cause of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is not known for certain however genetic, hair care practices (like using hot combs and hair relaxers), autoimmune factors, low vitamin D levels, bacterial and fungal infections are thought to play a role in its development so much so that in the past CCCA was also called hot comb alopecia, chemically induced cosmetic alopecia, and follicular degeneration syndrome.
In CCCA inflammation develops around the hair follicles and eventually destroys them. Once the hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue, the hair loss is permanent.
What Are Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Symptoms?
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia symptoms include hair loss that begins in the middle of the scalp (vertex of the head) and spreads outwards in all directions to other parts of the scalp slowly. The scalp often appears shiny due to loss of follicular openings.
Some persons may experience itching, tenderness and burning or tingling sensations.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Diagnosis
A diagnosis of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is made when the doctor listens to the patient’s history and examines the scalp. A scalp biopsy may be required.
At Almasi Skincare we do scalp biopsies for the diagnosis of CCCA and other conditions.
It is important to note that early diagnosis is important to prevent progression since CCCA causes permanent hair loss.
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Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Treatment in Nairobi Kenya
At Almasi Skincare we offer the best central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia treatment by combining prescription medications, surgical procedures, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and lifestyle modifications.
It is important to note that there is no cure for CCCA but early treatment is important because it reduces the inflammation that destroys the hair follicles and limits the area with permanent hair loss. It is also vital to state that it takes around 6 months before any effect of treatment can be seen.
Prescription Medications For Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Treatment
Prescription medications used for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia treatment include:
*Corticosteroid creams
*Intralesional corticosteroid injections
*Calcineurin inhibitors like Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus
*Anti-inflammatory antibiotics like Doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 6 months)
*Antimalarial tablets like Hydroxychloroquine taken once a day
*Immunosuppresants like Ciclosporin, Mycophenolate mofetil, and Methotrexate
*Minoxidil is applied on the scalp to stimulate hair growth in viable hair follicles
*Low dose oral metformin has also been used in some cases as CCCA may be associated with type 2 diabetes.
*Associated scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis should also be treated.
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Surgical Procedures For Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Treatment
Surgical procedures used for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia treatment include:
*Hair transplants which are best done once the disease activity has stabilized for over 1 year but graft survival is often low.
*Scalp reduction surgery can also be done in which the bald area is surgically removed and the hair-bearing scalp is stretched to cover the removed area.
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OTC Products For Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Treatment
OTC products used for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia treatment include:
*Antifungal shampoos
Antifungal shampoos with ketoconazole are used because they reduce chronic scalp inflammation which in turn reduces hair follicle damage and hair loss. They also treat dandruff, reduce itching, flaking and minimize the hair shedding that can occur from dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. These shampoos should be used every 1-2 weeks since dandruff may worsen CCCA. Perfect examples include Hitoral Shampoo and Nizoral Shampoo.
Hitoral Shampoo
Hitoral Shampoo contains 2% Ketoconazole.
The price in Kenya for Hitoral Shampoo is Ksh 1000.
Hitoral Shampoo can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
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Nizoral Shampoo
Nizoral Shampoo contains 1% Ketoconazole.
The price in Kenya for Nizoral Shampoo is Ksh 3500.
Nizoral Shampoo can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
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*Hair cosmetic camouflage
Hair cosmetic camouflage contains small, pigmented fibers which disguise patches with thinning hair by making the hair look fuller. Perfect examples include Toppik Hair Building Fibers.
Toppik Hair Building Fibers
Toppik Hair Building Fibers contains small fibers that cling to even the tiniest hair to make the hair appear fuller.
The price in Kenya for Toppik Hair Building Fibers is Ksh 5500.
WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order this product
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Lifestyle Modifications For Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Treatment
Lifestyle modifications used for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia treatment include:
*Having natural hairstyles as studies have shown that persons with natural hair styles had a higher likelihood of CCCA improving when compared to those who did not.
*Avoiding relaxers or having them done not more than every 6-8 weeks.
Avoiding heat styling regardless of whether it is from blow driers, hot combs, flat irons or hooded dryers.
*Avoiding tight braids, weaves and hair extensions.
*Avoiding hardening hair gels and sprays as they make the hair more fragile.
*Avoiding anything that can cause scalp discomfort or irritation.
*Avoiding sun exposure on the bald areas by applying sunblock and wearing wide brimmed hats.
*Following gentle hair styling practices.
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