Clinical and demographic characteristics of frontal fibrosing alopecia in a dermatology referral center in Bogota, Colombia: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a type of scarring alopecia that is characterized by a symmetrical recession of the frontal/temporal hairline. Despite growing interest in this pathology, there is scarce data on its epidemiology in Latin American countries such as Colombia.

Objective: To estimate the frequency and describe the clinical manifestations and factors associated with FFA.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study reviewed the electronic health records of adult patients diagnosed with FFA at a referral center in the city of Bogota, Colombia, between 2018 and 2021.

Results: Of the 1506 patients diagnosed with scarring alopecia, 213 fully met the selection criteria (14.14%). Patients had a median age at diagnosis of 60 years (Q1-Q3: 49-67 years) and were more frequently female (95.31%). Concurrent eyebrow alopecia was the most frequent clinical presentation (56.34%). Perifollicular desquamation was present in 114 patients (53.52%), perifollicular erythema in 56 (26.29%), and both features simultaneously in 35 (16.43%). Sunscreen use was reported by 116 (54.46%) and facial moisturizers by 38 (17.84%), both of which have been reported as risk factors.

Limitations: The small sample size and the lack of racial and geographical diversity in the subjects.

Conclusion: This study provides baseline epidemiological data in a Colombian sample. Sex, location of alopecia, and symptoms were consistent with those reported in the literature, but age at presentation, tobacco use, use of wigs, and dyes differed from those reported in other countries.