A Case of Cicatricial Alopecia Associated With Pemphigus: A Case Report

June 2023 in “ Dermatology reports ”

Roberto D'Astolto, Chiara Zangrando, Claudio Feliciani

cicatricial alopecia pemphigus autoantibodies desmosomal proteins skin biopsy inflammatory disease atrophic actinic keratosis

TLDR The link between pemphigus and the patient's scarring hair loss is still unclear.

The document reports the case of an 83-year-old woman with suspected cicatricial alopecia and a small eroded lesion on her forehead, initially thought to be atrophic actinic keratosis. Pemphigus, an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies against desmosomal proteins, was considered as a potential underlying condition. To investigate further, the clinic performed two new skin biopsies of the scalp, suspecting an inflammatory disease. The summary does not provide the outcome of the biopsies or a definitive diagnosis, so the conclusion regarding the association between pemphigus and the patient's cicatricial alopecia remains undetermined based on the provided text.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Increased Risk of Severe Course of Pemphigus in Patients with Pemphigus-Associated Alopecia: A Prospective Observational Study

2 citations, September 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Pemphigus patients with alopecia have more severe and treatment-resistant disease.

research The Significance of Scalp Involvement in Pemphigus: A Literature Review

13 citations, January 2018 in “BioMed Research International”

Scalp involvement is common in pemphigus and can lead to hair loss, with the severity of scalp lesions linked to overall disease severity.

research Alopecia as a Rare but Distinct Manifestation of Pemphigus Vulgaris

23 citations, November 2011 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Hair loss is a rare but recognized symptom of pemphigus vulgaris, with patients usually regrowing hair after treatment.

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6 / 17 results

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in Will treatment work for me? 2 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

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Men with hair loss might have lichen planopilaris (LPP), which can mimic androgenetic alopecia, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. Proper diagnosis, including biopsies, is crucial to distinguish between androgenetic alopecia and conditions like LPP.

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in Research 830 upvotes 7 months ago

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The user is experiencing hair loss and confusion over conflicting medical advice, with treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, and topical corticosteroids. They are unsure about the necessity of a biopsy and the timing of using minoxidil, while also considering the impact of potential androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.

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in Research/Science 57 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Prostaglandin balance affects hair loss, particularly in conditions like Lichen Planopilaris, where an imbalance can lead to hair follicle damage. Treatments mentioned include prostaglandin analogs and Pioglitazone HCL, with a focus on maintaining prostaglandin equilibrium for potential hair regrowth.

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A user is concerned that finasteride isn't working for their hair loss, questioning if it's due to male pattern baldness or low iron levels. They are advised to take finasteride daily and get blood work done.