Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a form of scarring hair loss that primarily affects the central scalp area, gradually spreading outward. This condition is prevalent among people with African descent, but it can affect individuals of any ethnic background. Despite its prevalence, awareness of CCCA is relatively low, making it crucial to shed light on this particular type of alopecia.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the sudden and unpredictable onset of hair loss, typically occurring in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body with hair. The condition is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and subsequent hair loss. While the exact cause remains elusive, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors contributes to the development of alopecia areata.

Trichotillomania, also known as “hair-pulling disorder,” is a mental health condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and distress. Individuals with trichotillomania often experience tension before pulling out their hair and relief or gratification afterward. The hair pulling can occur from any part of the body where hair grows, but it is most commonly focused on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

In the case of alopecia totalis, the condition manifests as the complete loss of hair on the scalp, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Unlike alopecia areata, which can cause patchy hair loss, alopecia totalis involves the loss of all scalp hair, leaving the affected individual entirely bald.