Characterization of Lichen Planopilaris in Men: A Retrospective Analysis
TLDR Lichen planopilaris in men often affects the scalp, eyebrows, arms, legs, and beard, with many having family members with hair loss.
This retrospective study analyzed 24 men diagnosed with lichen planopilaris (LPP) and/or frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) at Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Loss Clinic from 2017 to 2020. The mean age at presentation was 45.5 years, with 70.8% being Caucasian. Common non-scalp involvement areas included eyebrows (20.8%), arms/legs (16.7%), and beard (16.7%). Scalp symptoms were reported by 62.5% of patients, and 50% had first-degree relatives with hair loss. Only 8.3% had a family history of similar hair loss types, and no patients had a personal history of thyroid disease. The study highlighted the unique characteristics of LPP/FFA in men and suggested the need for further research.