Scalp Sweating in patients with Frontal Fibrosing alopecia (FFA)

FFA and Scalp Sweating

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia associated with hair loss along the frontal hairline. The eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair can also be affected. We have come to learn that this condition is complex – women with FFA not only experience hair loss, but also bumps on the face known as ‘facial papules.’ A new study shows that we may need to add increased sweating in the areas of hair loss to the list of conditions associated with FFA.

A new study showed that 11 women with FFA reported increased sweating in the areas of hair loss. Standard treatments for frontal fibrosing alopecia including topical steroids, steroid injections, and antibiotics were found to be helpful. Interestingly, botulinum toxin treatments (Botox) were also found to be helpful.

This is an interesting study and I believe it is really important. We are seeing an increasing amount of women with scalp sweating associated with their FFA. Sweating is controlled in part by the nervous system and this raises the possibility that a specific type of inflammation known as ‘neurogenic’ inflammation may be relevant in FFA. I think we will be hearing more about this area of research in the years ahead.

Reference
Harries et al. Frontal fibrosing alopecia and increased scalp sweating: Is neuorgenetic inflammation the common link. Skin Appendage Disord May 2016; 1(4):179-84