Post-operative pressure alopecia.

Abstract

Post-operative pressure alopecia (POPA) is a little-known disorder that results from prolonged head pressure on a firm surface as occurring after long surgery. It can also affect the child, occurs mainly in the occipital area, is preceded or not by painful inflammatory edema, and spontaneously regresses in a few months but can be persistent (1) when preceded by destructive inflammation. POPA differs from alopecia areata due to the lack of hair miniaturization. It is due to ischemia and consequent hypoxia due to persistent pressure with secondary follicular necrotic phenomena: the final result is the synchronous conversion of all the terminal follicles of the affected area in the catagen and telogen phase (2). POPA can be prevented by using adequate donuts and by repositioning the head during prolonged operative interventions.