Female hair loss on sides, temples and around edges

Female hair loss on sides, temples and around edges

Female hair loss that occurs in the temple area, edges, or sides of the head can be caused by various disorders.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a newly discovered disease. It was first described in 1994. Characteristics include symmetrical hair loss along the upper hairline and sides of the scalp. Complete or partial loss of eyebrows may also occur. This condition does not occur suddenly. It's a slow, gradual process. The bald area continues to recede, forming a “band” around the top and side edges that resembles a receding hairline. Baldness can extend up to five inches beyond the original hairline. The appearance of the skin in the affected area may contrast slightly or noticeably. It may appear pale or slightly scarred.

The condition was originally called “postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia” because it was originally thought to only affect women of postmenopausal age. Now it can be seen in younger women too. Although it was once considered very rare, it is becoming increasingly common. The cause is unknown, but there is speculation that the immune and/or endocrine system may be involved.

Because it is a type of cicatricial alopecia, scars appear beneath the surface. The scarring creates a seal over the affected follicle so that that follicle can never produce hair again. Treatment is about stopping the progression rather than trying to regrow the hair that has already been lost. Early intervention is required.

Alopecia Ophiasis

Ophiasis is a more serious and dramatic variant of alopecia areata. A pattern of baldness occurs on the temples behind the ears along the sides and extends to the nape (or entire occipital area) of the neck. The bald areas often appear on one side or first in one area and gradually combine to form a band around the circumference of the scalp on the sides and along the bottom of the neck area. Ophiasis is a Greek word meaning snake and refers to the serpentine pattern that forms during the course of this condition.

With alopecia areata in all its different forms, the follicles are not damaged or destroyed, so there is always the possibility of regrowth. The prognosis for ophiasis is not as positive as for less severe forms of this disorder, but as long as the follicles are still alive, it is a possibility. Early intervention delivers better results.

Because it is an autoimmune disease, proper treatment includes calming, nourishing, and balancing (but not overstimulating) the immune system, as well as treating the hair loss itself. Autoimmune diseases require a specific anti-inflammatory diet, which may also require the elimination of gluten and other possible food allergens. Natural or synthetic agents can be used to promote follicle stimulation and new growth.

Traction alopecia

Traction is one of the most common causes of temporal thinning in women and girls. This occurs when tightly pulled hairstyles are worn evenly for long periods of time. The continued tension on the scalp puts strain on the follicle and causes the underlying strand to detach from the follicle. Sustained tension can potentially damage the follicle.

The treatment involves wearing hair as loosely as possible and massaging the area with essential oils, coconut oil or jojoba to provide nutrition and circulation to the follicles. Early detection is necessary as scarring can occur with this condition. Once scarring occurs, hair loss is permanent.

Inspired by Melanie Vonzabuesnig