The mechanism of pathology of CCCA remains unknown; thus, the cause has only been postulated and not proven. CCCA is suspected to have a multi-factored cause. However, one theory involves pressure exerted on the internal root sheath leading to damage, which leads to the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the end result of scarring. African Americans are found to be at increased risk. Historically, some have hypothesized that CCCA represents an end stage of traction alopecia. However, the veracity of this theory is low as many patients who suffer from CCCA have not employed traction hairstyling.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Triangular alopecia
Auricular hypertrichosis
Hot comb alopecia
Focal facial dermal dysplasia
Intermittent hair–follicle dystrophy
Frictional alopecia
Exudative hyponychial dermatitis