Photo Gallery: Clinical Variants of Lichen Planus with Scalp Lesions
July 2025
in “
Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases
”
lichen planus lichen planopilaris scarring alopecia classic lichen planopilaris frontal fibrosing alopecia Graham–Little–Piccardi–Lasseur syndrome fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution scalp erythema pruritus trichodynia trichoscopic findings histopathology dermoscopy perifollicular hyperkeratosis alopecic scars thyroid function screening itching hair pain hair loss scalp redness hair follicle inflammation hair follicle scarring
TLDR Lichen planus on the scalp can cause scarring hair loss and has four main types.
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the scalp, leading to a condition known as lichen planopilaris, which often results in scarring alopecia. There are four clinical variants of this condition: classic lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, Graham–Little–Piccardi–Lasseur syndrome, and fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution. These variants are characterized by scarring alopecia and scalp erythema, with common symptoms including pruritus and trichodynia. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, trichoscopic findings, and sometimes histopathology. Dermoscopy during active stages shows perifollicular hyperkeratosis and erythema, while remission stages show alopecic scars with few preserved hairs. Routine lab tests and thyroid function screening are recommended, and photographic documentation is advised for monitoring treatment progression.
