Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: a subtype of lichen planopilaris in African descent?

Abstract

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a lymphocytic scarring alopecia that predominantly affects middle-aged women of African descent. Despite its prevalence and impact, the disease remains underdiagnosed and understudied. Recent theories suggest that CCCA may be a subtype of lichen planopilaris occurring within a specific racial group, given their near-identical clinical and histological characteristics. This review article explores the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, trichoscopy, histology, and management of CCCA, emphasizing the similarities and differences between these two entities.

Keywords

• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Lichen planopilaris. Cicatricial alopecia. Lymphocytic alopecia.