Scleroderma and Patchy Hair Loss

• Conventional & Natural Scleroderma Treatments

Cicatricial hair loss can happen as a result of skin damage from lesions of localized scleroderma. It can occur in singular or multiple irregular patches on the scalp, and is more common as a linear patch on the frontal scalp region. Bald patches may not be completely hairless—they may retain some vellus and shorter terminal hairs.⁽²²⁾

The lesion skin may be reddened or hyperpigmented. However, it is not scaly and does not have the keratin-clogged follicles found in other types of cicatricial alopecia. Microscopic features include chronic inflammation in the hair follicle and significant stiffening due to excess fibrous tissue. ⁽²²⁾

Medical, Herbal, & Nutritional Supplement Treatments for Scleroderma

A localized scleroderma patch of the scalp can be treated effectively with systemic vitamin D derivative calcitriol, topical minoxidil, and calcipotriol lotion.⁽¹⁴⁵⁾

One traditional Chinese remedy that combines cinnamon twig and hoelen has been used to treat scleroderma. Researchers in Japan have shown that this herbal formula actually stops the production of collagen in skin cells affected by scleroderma, without affecting healthy cells.⁽⁹⁸⁾