TLDR Lupus panniculitis of the scalp causes linear hair loss and needs ongoing treatment to prevent recurrence and lupus.
Lupus panniculitis of the scalp (LPS) was a rare manifestation of lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) characterized by linear alopecia along Blaschko's lines. A review of 20 cases (mean age 26.4 years, equal gender ratio) revealed that the parietal region was most commonly affected (70%), followed by frontal (45%), temporal (40%), occipital (30%), and vertex (10%) areas. Lesions were typically linear, annular, arch-shaped, or ulcerative. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were present in 60% of cases. Treatments such as hydroxychloroquine, oral prednisolone, intralesional corticosteroid, and methotrexate led to complete response within an average of 8.08 weeks. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed in 20% of cases, with a recurrence rate of 35%. Continuous follow-up was recommended to prevent recurrence and SLE development.
10 citations,
May 2017 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” 8 citations,
January 2017 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica” Thorough clinical examination is crucial for diagnosing unusual alopecia.
69 citations,
August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Trichoscopy is a quick, cost-effective tool for diagnosing different hair loss conditions.
41 citations,
January 2014 in “Annals of Dermatology” Dermoscopic examination helps diagnose different types of hair loss conditions by showing specific patterns.
421 citations,
April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.
34 citations,
December 2011 in “The Journal of Dermatology” A unique type of lupus panniculitis causes reversible hair loss on the scalp in East Asians.
26 citations,
January 2009 in “Annals of Dermatology” Two rare bald spots on the back of the scalp were found to be lupus, not alopecia areata.
28 citations,
July 2002 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology” Lupus can look like hair loss from alopecia areata but needs different treatment.
10 citations,
June 2019 in “Case reports in dermatology” LALPS causes non-scarring hair loss along the Blaschko line, with unique trichoscopic findings.
1 citations,
January 2020 in “Skin Appendage Disorders” Treatment with methotrexate and prednisolone led to complete hair regrowth and no relapse for 2 years.
46 citations,
June 2018 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Hair loss is common in lupus patients and can be permanent or reversible, depending on the type, with various treatments available.
29 citations,
January 2019 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Trichoscopy is useful for diagnosing and monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus, with certain hair and scalp changes indicating more active disease.
8 citations,
January 2017 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica” Thorough clinical examination is crucial for diagnosing unusual alopecia.
