Break Dancing: A New Risk Factor for Scarring Hair Loss

    May 2011 in “ Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ”
    Assaf Monselise, L Chan, Jerry Shapiro
    Image of study
    TLDR Break dancing on the head may cause a type of scarring hair loss that needs early treatment to prevent permanent damage.
    The document reports a case of lichen planopilaris (LPP), an autoimmune inflammatory scalp condition that can cause scarring and irreversible hair loss, which was initially mistaken for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in a 26-year-old man who had been break dancing on his head for many years. The patient presented with thinning hair and local pruritus, and a scalp biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of LPP. The authors suggest that chronic scalp trauma from break dancing may trigger LPP and emphasize the importance of a thorough scalp examination to distinguish LPP from other nonscarring hair loss conditions like AGA. Early recognition and treatment of LPP are crucial to prevent permanent hair loss. The case highlights the need for increased awareness among physicians of the potential for scarring hair loss in patients with a history of activities that involve chronic scalp trauma.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 37 results
      Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      in Research  692 upvotes 3 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

      in Research/Science  43 upvotes 2 months ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

      community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

      in Chat  33 upvotes 2 years ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

      community 5mg oral minoxidil + 100mg Spironolactone

      in Progress Pictures  10 upvotes 11 months ago
      A user shared progress pictures using 5mg oral minoxidil and 100mg spironolactone, noting increased body hair and faster nail growth. Another user humorously suggested a new sub for people with similar experiences.

      community Anger and frustration as I finally learn my diagnosis.

      in Female  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      A young female diagnosed with Lichen planopilaris (LPP) experienced years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments, including a hair transplant and other procedures. She is considering litigation due to the misdiagnosis and has learned that LPP is chronic, hair loss can be stopped with ongoing medication, but lost hair cannot regrow.

      community 9 months on Fin - no progress , should I get on Dutasteride?

      in Chat  10 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral for hair loss but hasn't seen regrowth, only maintenance. They are considering switching to dutasteride, which is believed to be more effective, but are concerned about potential side effects.

    Related Research

    8 / 8 results