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StatPearls, LLC

  • Alopecia
  • Cicatrix
  • Erythema
  • Hand Strength
  • Traction

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a disorder that results from continuous pulling on the hair roots, leading to hair loss over time. The condition predominantly affects women of African descent with tightly curled hair, particularly those who wear Afro-Caribbean hairstyles that involve tight braids. Traction alopecia often begins in childhood and may initially be reversible. The condition follows a biphasic pattern, with early stages being nonscarring and reversible, while chronic cases lead to permanent scarring. Studies indicate that traction alopecia is widespread among female individuals in certain populations, affecting both children and adults. This condition is preventable with appropriate hair care practices. Diagnosis of traction alopecia is based on clinical examination, with early signs including perifollicular erythema, hair breakage, and thinning along tension-bearing areas of the scalp. Management involves discontinuing hairstyles that exert prolonged tension on the hair, along with patient education on protective styling. Topical or intralesional corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in early, nonscarring stages, while minoxidil can support hair regrowth. Chronic cases may lead to scarring alopecia, resulting in permanent hair loss that is unresponsive to medical therapy. Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis, with early intervention preventing progression, whereas longstanding disease leads to irreversible follicular damage. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ competence in evaluating and managing traction alopecia. Participants will broaden their grasp of the condition’s risk factors, epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and best diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Improved proficiency will enable interprofessional team members to collaborate effectively, ensuring well-coordinated care and better outcomes for affected individuals.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditNursingUp to 1 creditPharmacyUp to 1 credit

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1 pointABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1 pointABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 point

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1 credit
  • MOC · Up to 1 point
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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