Cicatricial alopecias: Pathogenesis, classification, clinical features, diagnosis, and management

Cicatricial or scarring alopecias comprise a diverse group of scalp disorders that result in irreversible hair loss. All scarring alopecias are characterized clinically by a loss of follicular ostia and pathologically by a replacement of hair follicles with fibrous tissue. The terms “cicatricial” and “scarring” are used interchangeably. The destructive process can occur as a primary or secondary cicatricial alopecia.