TLDR Benign follicular mucinosis involves immune cells attacking hair follicles.
The study on two patients with benign follicular mucinosis (FM) revealed degenerative changes in the follicular outer root sheath and sebaceous gland epithelium, accompanied by benign inflammatory cell infiltration. Using light and electron microscopy, researchers observed associations between disattached keratinocytes, macrophages, and Langerhans cells. Immunofluorescence detected complement (C3) and fibrinogen/fibrin in degenerated areas, while immunoperoxidase studies indicated increased T cells, macrophages, and Langerhans cells in the affected follicular epithelium. These findings suggested that cell-mediated immune mechanisms might have contributed to the pathogenesis of FM.
28 citations,
May 1978 in “Archives of dermatology” Alopecia mucinosa on the face can be linked to mycosis fungoides, a type of lymphoma.
150 citations,
October 2010 in “The American Journal of Pathology” The document concludes that more research is needed to better understand and treat primary cicatricial alopecias, and suggests a possible reclassification based on molecular pathways.
38 citations,
January 2017 in “PPAR Research” PPAR-γ helps control skin oil glands and inflammation, and its disruption can cause hair loss diseases.
15 citations,
July 1999 in “Dermatologic Clinics” The document concludes that immune system abnormalities cause alopecia areata, but the exact process is still not completely understood.
44 citations,
November 2011 in “The Journal of Dermatology” New understanding of the causes of primary cicatricial alopecia has led to better diagnosis and potential new treatments.
16 citations,
January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” New treatments and early diagnosis methods for permanent hair loss due to scar tissue are important for managing its psychological effects.
