I just got hair extensions out & now I have a huge gap - what options do I have? (Photos)

Question

I just got my extensions taken out my scalp is burning and I have a huge huge huge bludge missing of hair

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You’ll want to see a dermatology expert as soon as possible. You might start with your family physician/general practitioner. There are both skin and hair issues that need addressing. I would need the whole story to advise on specific steps. (length of time extensions were in, type of extensions, your age and general health, reason for extensions in the first place. It would appear there s both a local folliculitis (possibly with minor infection but it’s hard to say with these photos) together with a traction alopecia type issue. It’s unlikely this is alopecia areata here together with traction and folliculitis but of course the area need to be examined up close. The overall approach to treatment (see below) wll be similar so at this point it does not matter. I can’t say if there is any scarring component from these photos but an upclose examination and full review of your story can help with that, For patients of mine with similar issues, I typically start out by swabbing the red area if there is any pus or if I felt there was infection. I would usually start with a topical steroid quite widespread on the scalp for 5-10 days and a topical antibiotic only on the red area. If the redness does not settle, I would switch to an oral antibiotic. As things settle over 5-10 days I would then inject some triamcinolone acetonide at 2 mg per mL into the area and surrounding areas and have the patient get started on topical minoxidil for any areas of hair loss. Close follow up is essential meaning frequent check ins with the doctor to ensure this is improving. Controlling infection (if any) and inflammation is goal number 1. Promoting hair growth is goal number 2. These should take place in that order. It may take 6 months to resolve if there is no scarring or permanent hair loss. If extensions were only used for a short time and there and no other hair loss or scalp issues, the odds are good things will improve.

Samer Muala, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Most likely this is due to "traction alopecia".  Treatments include topicals and you should see hair growth once inflammation is resolved.

I just got hair extensions out & now I have a huge gap - what options do I have? (Photos)

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I just got hair extensions out & now I have a huge gap - what options do I have? (Photos)

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