Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia: Clinical Presentations, Etiologies, and Histopathologic Features
April 2001
in “
International Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Different types of scarring alopecia may be stages of one disease, and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.
The 2001 document reviews cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, detailing the clinical presentations, potential etiologies, and histopathologic features of various forms such as lichen planopilaris, pseudopelade, discoid lupus erythematosus, folliculitis decalvans, and others. It highlights the importance of histopathology and immunofluorescence in diagnosis, noting the difficulty in differentiating between early lesions of these conditions. The review suggests that different scarring alopecias may represent stages of a single disease process, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis through detailed history, laboratory data, and advanced techniques to prevent permanent hair follicle damage.