noncicatricial

Noncicatricial, from non meaning “not” and cicatrix meaning “scar,” is a descriptor used in dermatology to denote conditions in which scar tissue does not form. It is contrasted with cicatricial (scarring) conditions, where normal skin and adnexal structures are replaced by fibrous tissue.

In dermatology, the term is commonly applied to alopecias. Noncicatricial alopecia refers to hair loss in which the scalp skin and hair follicles are not permanently replaced by scar tissue, and regrowth is possible. Common noncicatricial causes include androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. By contrast, cicatricial (scarring) alopecias involve permanent destruction of hair follicles and replacement with fibrous tissue.

Clinical features help distinguish noncicatricial from cicatricial forms. Noncicatricial processes typically preserve skin architecture and may present as patchy or diffuse hair loss with intact follicular openings; there is no dermal fibrosis. Cicatricial alopecias show hair follicle destruction with scarring and loss of follicular openings.

Diagnosis relies on history, physical examination, dermoscopy or trichoscopy, and sometimes scalp biopsy to assess the presence or absence of scarring. Management depends on the underlying condition; noncicatricial alopecia may be reversible with appropriate therapy (for example anti-inflammatory treatment for autoimmune forms or supportive measures like topical agents), while cicatricial alopecias require disease-specific approaches to prevent ongoing follicular loss.

See also cicatricial alopecia, alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia.