Hair care for sisters

q: Recently, I noticed a small bald spot in the top middle of my head, and I'm only 37! I was told that it was "CCC alopecia." What is CCC alopecia? And is there anything that t can do to stop it?

--Don't want to worry, Cleveland

a: With central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCC alopecia), the hair loss begins at the top of the scalp and progressively covers a larger area, commonly resulting in scalp itching and tenderness. Early recognition and correct diagnosis by a dermatologist can provide successful medical treatment for most forms of hair loss. The Pantene[R]Relaxed and Natural Academy of Science and Style is partnering with the North American Hair Research Society to understand the causes of CCC alopecia; the results of the study will be released in March.

--Valerie D. Callender, M.D., director, Callender Skin & Laser Center, member of the Pantene[R] Relaxed & Natural Academy of Science & Style

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