Peripheral Scarring Hair Loss in a 25-Year-Old Female — Understanding Traction Alopecia and PRP Treatment

Hair loss in young women is increasingly common, with causes ranging from genetic predisposition to hair-care practices that place chronic tension on the scalp. At Reena Jogi MD in Katy and Houston, Texas, we diagnose and treat a wide variety of hair loss conditions, including scarring and non-scarring forms. This case highlights a 25-year-old woman presenting with peripheral scarring hair loss consistent with traction alopecia, and her decision to begin treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Patient Background

A 25-year-old female presented as a new patient with concerns of generalized, gradually progressive hair loss that has been ongoing for several years. She reported mild pruritus, but no significant scalp discomfort, burning, or pain.

She had not been on any formal treatments prior to this visit but mentioned she started Nutrafol supplements today in hopes of supporting hair growth.

Clinical Examination

A focused physical examination included:

• Scalp inspection with attention to hair density and follicular changes

• Evaluation of the hairline and peripheral scalp

• Head and face inspection

Findings

The patient appeared well-developed, well-nourished, alert, oriented, and in no acute distress.

Clinical evidence suggested peripheral scarring hair loss, raising suspicion for traction alopecia, a condition caused by chronic tension on hair—often from tight hairstyles, braids, weaves, or repeated pulling.

Diagnosis: Peripheral Scarring Hair Loss — Suspected Traction Alopecia

Her history, symptoms, and exam findings support the diagnosis of hair loss with a scarring component, most consistent with traction alopecia. Early traction alopecia is reversible, but long-standing tension can lead to permanent follicular damage, making early intervention essential.

Treatment Plan: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy

Because the patient wished to pursue an active, restorative treatment option, we proceeded with PRP therapy, a popular non-surgical approach that stimulates hair regrowth through the patient’s own concentrated platelets.

PRP Procedure — Session #1

• Written consent obtained

• Risks reviewed (pain, infection, scarring, incomplete improvement)

• Venipuncture performed using a sterile butterfly needle

• Blood drawn into the appropriate PRP tube

• Centrifuged to separate platelet-rich plasma

• Identity verified at each step

• PRP drawn into sterile 3-cc syringes

• 7 cc of PRP injected into subdermal scalp areas

• Zimmer cooling used for comfort

• No complications observed

• Patient tolerated the procedure well

Post-Procedure Instructions

To optimize results and minimize irritation, the patient was instructed to:

• Wash hair with warm water

• Use sulfate-free shampoo

• Continue any hair loss supplements (e.g., Nutrafol)

• Continue topical minoxidil if currently using

• Avoid hair dye for 2–3 days

• Avoid tight hairstyles moving forward

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of early evaluation and treatment of traction alopecia to prevent irreversible scarring hair loss. PRP therapy is a promising option for young patients seeking improvement in hair density and scalp health—especially when combined with lifestyle changes and supportive therapies like Nutrafol or topical minoxidil.

At Reena Jogi MD in Katy and Houston, TX and Houston, TX, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to address both scarring and non-scarring alopecia in women of all ages.