CHEMICALLY-INDUCED COSMETIC ALOPECIA

Cosmetic causes of scarring alopecia are poorly documented. They inclu de traction alopecia and hot-combing. Recently, another group has pres ented in the South London area, related to misuse of chemical hair str aightening agents. Affected patients are young, female, of Afro-Caribb ean origin, and typically display hair loss on the vertex of the scalp . Histology shows a pattern of fibrosis and inflammation characteristi c of the physical damage seen with other cosmetic procedures. This his tological pattern is distinguishable from other non-cosmetic causes of scarring alopecia.