Acute onset traction-associated ulceration and alopecia

Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 Nov:38 Suppl 2:103-105. doi: 10.1111/pde.14728. Epub 2021 Aug 2.

Abstract

Traction alopecia is a protracted form of hair loss resulting from persistent tension on the hair follicle . We report a case of a 9-year-old African American girl who presented with extensive scalp ulceration and alopecia 11 days after placement of a synthetic hair braid. Over a period of months, with consistent wound care and low-tension hairstyling, most of the hair regrew. We propose that the ulceration and hair loss in this case represents an acute variant of traction alopecia due to pressure-induced ischemia and necrosis.

Keywords: pressure alopecia; scalp necrosis; traction alopecia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / etiology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hair
  • Hair Follicle
  • Humans
  • Scalp*
  • Traction* / adverse effects