Update on primary cicatricial alopecias

The cicatricial alopecias encompass a diverse group of disorders characterized by permanent destruction of the hair follicle and irreversible hair loss. Destruction of the hair follicle can result from primary folliculocentric disease or is a secondary result. This article focuses on the former, or primary cicatricial alopecias. The cause and pathogenesis of many of these disorders are largely unknowen. Although unique clinicopathologic features allow for accurate diagnosis in some Cases, diagnostic certainty is often elusive and reflects the limits of present Understanding. Classification of the primary cicatricial alopecias oil the basis of pathology provides a diagnostic and investigational framework and, it is hoped will facilitate future enlightenment. Details of classification. etiopathogenesis, clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis, and practical management of the primary cicatricial alopecias will be discussed.