Alopecia in Epidermolysis Bullosa
November 2009
in “
Dermatologic Clinics
”
TLDR The document suggests that certain protein deficiencies and scalp blistering in Epidermolysis Bullosa may cause hair loss.
The document examined the link between alopecia and Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), highlighting that the expression of basement membrane zone (BMZ) components in hair follicles is similar to the interfollicular epidermis but varies within the follicle. It suggested that reduced BMZ component expression and the absence of BP230 may lead to incomplete hemidesmosome ultrastructure, potentially causing hair loss. The study also noted that scalp blistering in EB often results in cicatricial alopecia due to inflammation. A table in the document classified hair abnormalities across EB subtypes, showing a spectrum from no hair involvement to alopecia universalis. Genetic mutations linked to EB subtypes and their impact on hair and scalp were discussed, but the document did not specify the number of subjects involved, thus the study's strength cannot be determined from the summary.