Overview
Pseudopelade of Brocq (also sometimes called 'PPB' or 'alopecia atrophicans') is a rare skin condition that causes permanent hair loss on the scalp. The name comes from the French dermatologist Louis-Anne-Jean Brocq, who first described it in the late 1800s. In this condition, the hair follicles — the tiny structures in your skin that grow hair — are slowly destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. Once a follicle is scarred over, it cannot grow hair again, which is why the hair loss is permanent. The condition usually appears as small, smooth, skin-colored or slightly pink patches on the scalp where hair has fallen out. These patches often have an irregular shape and may slowly grow or merge together over time. The skin in the affected areas looks shiny and slightly sunken, almost like 'footprints in the snow,' which is a phrase doctors sometimes use to describe it. Unlike some other scalp conditions, pseudopelade of Brocq is usually not very itchy or painful, though some people notice mild discomfort or burning. There is currently no cure for pseudopelade of Brocq. Treatment focuses on slowing down the scarring process and reducing inflammation. The condition tends to progress slowly and may eventually burn itself out, but the hair loss that has already occurred does not grow back. Managing this condition involves working closely with a dermatologist who specializes in hair and scalp disorders.
Key symptoms:
Permanent patchy hair loss on the scalpSmooth, shiny skin in areas where hair has fallen outSlightly sunken or depressed skin patchesSkin-colored, pale, or slightly pink bald patchesPatches that slowly grow larger or merge together over timeNo visible redness, scaling, or obvious inflammation in most casesMild itching or burning sensation in some peopleLoss of hair follicle openings (pores) in affected areasIrregular, scattered pattern of hair loss across the scalp
Clinical phenotype terms (9)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Pseudopelade of Brocq.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Pseudopelade of Brocq.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Pseudopelade of Brocq.
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Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you that this is pseudopelade of Brocq and not another type of scarring hair loss?,What treatment do you recommend to slow the progression, and what are the side effects?,How will we know if the treatment is working?,Is there any chance the hair loss will stop on its own, and how long might that take?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should know about?,When would hair transplantation be an option, and would it work for my situation?,Should I see a mental health professional or support group to help cope with the hair loss?
Common questions about Pseudopelade of Brocq
What is Pseudopelade of Brocq?
Pseudopelade of Brocq (also sometimes called 'PPB' or 'alopecia atrophicans') is a rare skin condition that causes permanent hair loss on the scalp. The name comes from the French dermatologist Louis-Anne-Jean Brocq, who first described it in the late 1800s. In this condition, the hair follicles — the tiny structures in your skin that grow hair — are slowly destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. Once a follicle is scarred over, it cannot grow hair again, which is why the hair loss is permanent. The condition usually appears as small, smooth, skin-colored or slightly pink patches on the scalp
How is Pseudopelade of Brocq inherited?
Pseudopelade of Brocq follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Pseudopelade of Brocq typically begin?
Typical onset of Pseudopelade of Brocq is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.