Scarring alopecia is a challenging condition to manage, and there are limited treatment modalities available. The use of natural ingredients in the treatment of scarring alopecia, particularly central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), has gained popularity. Some natural ingredients that have been studied for their potential effectiveness in treating scarring alopecia include:
- Azelaic acid
- Peppermint oil
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Garlic supplements/shampoo
- Black castor oil
- Jojoba oil
- Argan oil
- Olive oil
- Horsetail plant oil
- Lavender oil
- Coconut oil
- Chamomile oil
- Thyme oil
- Tea tree oil
- Sulfur oil
- Menthol
- Rosemary oil
These ingredients have shown promise in treating nonscarring alopecias, such as androgenetic alopecia and psoriatic alopecia
. However, more long-term, well-designed, randomized, controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these natural ingredients in treating scarring alopecia
. It is essential to note that some ingredients commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care products can cause inflammation, especially for individuals with conditions like lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA)
. Therefore, it is crucial to choose products with care and avoid ingredients that may exacerbate inflammation or cause allergic reactions.