What is inflammatory alopecia?
Inflammatory alopecia is hair loss caused by persistent or chronic inflammation that damages or destroys hair follicles. It often presents with redness, scaling, or scalp discomfort.
Examples include lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus. Inflammatory alopecia can lead to scarring if left untreated, making early intervention critical.
Red light therapy may help manage inflammation when paired with appropriate medical care by calming immune overactivity and promoting healing in early, non-scarring stages of inflammatory alopecia.
Related terms
Estrogen
Clinical Applications
Estrogen is a hormone that plays a critical role in regulating hair growth in women, particularly by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)
Clinical Applications
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hereditary form of hair loss characterized by gradual thinning of scalp hair.
Lichen Planopilaris
Clinical Applications
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory condition that results in scarring alopecia.
Telangiectasia
Clinical Applications
Telangiectasia refers to small, visible blood vessels near the skin surface.