| abstract |
Scarring fibrotic alopecia of the scalp resulting from traumatic hair treatments and other exogenous causes may be treated by topically applying to affected areas of the scalp a retinoid in an amount effective to reduce chronic irritation and inflammation induced by such causes and which results in hair loss, hair thinning, hair breakage, fibrotic scars, and atrophy. The retinoid may be applied daily in a non-toxic, dermatologically acceptable vehicle, preferably an emollient vehicle, and preferably in amounts equivalent to about 0.01 to 0.25 weight percent retinoic acid in the vehicle. The treatment is particularly satisfactory for adult, particularly middle-aged, black women who have experienced years of trauma from hot combs, permanents, hair straighteners, and the like. |