What should you know about pseudopelade hair loss?

Pseudopelade is a clinical pattern rather than one single cause. Scalp patches may look pale, shiny, and slightly depressed, with fewer visible follicle openings. Some people have little inflammation or discomfort, while others notice itch, scale, redness, tenderness, or active expansion. A dermatologist may use magnification and sometimes a scalp biopsy to distinguish scarring loss from alopecia areata, traction alopecia, scalp ringworm, or other disorders.

Book a dermatology assessment if smooth patches are enlarging or new areas appear. Handle the scalp gently, avoid tight hairstyles, chemical irritation, scratching, and unneeded supplements. Treatment is directed at the underlying inflammatory or infectious process when one is found. Hair that has been replaced by scar tissue may not regrow, so the goal can include stopping activity and protecting remaining follicles. Cosmetic options are discussed only after the condition is stable.

Seek prompt review for rapidly expanding loss, scalp pain, pus, crusting, marked redness, or intense itch. A child with patchy loss and scale should be assessed because contagious scalp infection is possible. Earlier review helps separate scarring disease from temporary shedding such as telogen effluvium.

Ask whether the follicles look scarred, whether a biopsy or infection test is needed, what signs show ongoing activity, and which hairstyles or products should be stopped.