This condition involves the thinning and disappearance of hair follicles on the scalp due to various causes. Contributing factors can include scars, burns, scalds, and scarring resulting from skin infections like pustular ringworm, chickenpox, smallpox, carbuncles, boils, syphilis, and leishmaniasis. Additionally, skin diseases characterized by wasting and atrophy, such as lupus erythematosus and lichen conditions, can lead to this condition, as can excessive exposure to x-rays and radioactivity. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause whenever possible. This condition is also known as cicatrical alopecia.