Halo Scalp Ring Linked to Scarring Alopecia

Birth-related pressure injury may lead to permanent hair loss when follicular damage occurs

By
Andrea Surnit
April 13, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Objective:

To report a case of halo scalp ring leading to permanent scarring alopecia in a 12-year-old female patient, highlighting its clinical significance.

Key Findings:

Halo scalp ring is caused by sustained pressure on the fetal scalp during labor.
Typically presents as temporary, non-scarring alopecia, but can lead to permanent cicatricial alopecia in severe cases.
Key differential diagnoses include aplasia cutis congenita and vacuum delivery–associated alopecia.
The benign nature of halo scalp ring should be recognized to prevent unnecessary interventions.

Interpretation:

The findings highlight the potential for halo scalp ring to result in permanent hair loss, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians to avoid unnecessary treatments.

Limitations:

As a single case report, findings should be interpreted cautiously.
Incidence of halo scalp ring is unknown and likely underreported, necessitating further research.