Do I have cc alopecia or folliculits d? Should I use Rogaine compound? Got bald patch after bad relaxer 7yrs ago. (Photo)

Question

Hi, I was diagnosed with cc alopecia 2 days ago. I've had this bald patch for maybe 2-5 years. Larger portion of scalp was infected after receiving a poor relaxer 7 yrs ago. Md prescribed compound of rogaine2%, temovate, salicylic acid 15%. I am reluctant to take rogaine. I have been picking at area every day for 7 yrs. I put hydrocortisone and it is not as itchy. I don't have any other bald patches. Alopecia runs in family, as my mom lost all hair in 30s. Goal is normal scalp not regrowth.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

You can't get treatment advice or a specific medial diagnosis on the Internet.  The old fashion way of seeing a doctor still works.  A doctor needs to take a careful history and examine you.  This takes time.  A photo and a brief paragraph is may lead to misinformation for both the doctor and patient.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

The photo quality makes it difficult to tell exactly what's happening. This is most likely a photo of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) given the classic islands of hair amongst the more widespead hair loss. There is nothing to suggest folliculitis decalvans here. Treatments for CCCA include topical steroids and steroid injections along with oral medications such as doxycycline and other antiinflammatories. Rogaine can help a bit, but the main treatment should be centered around stopping inflammation. Be sure to see a dermatologist specializing in hair loss for diagnosis and treatment advice. A biopsy might be considered as well.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Your problems sound complex, so complex in fact, it would be wrong for me to give you advice over the internet. Your pictures are so dark that they show no detail.  See another doctor if you don't like the advice of the one you met with.

Do I have cc alopecia or folliculits d? Should I use Rogaine compound? Got bald patch after bad relaxer 7yrs ago. (Photo)

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Do I have cc alopecia or folliculits d? Should I use Rogaine compound? Got bald patch after bad relaxer 7yrs ago. (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rogaine

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