Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Clinical Review of 36 Patients

November 2010 in “ British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement ”

Aman Samrao, Ai‐Lean Chew, Vera H. Price

frontal fibrosing alopecia hairline recession eyebrow loss scalp pruritus perifollicular erythema hydroxychloroquine

TLDR Hydroxychloroquine effectively reduces symptoms of frontal fibrosing alopecia, especially in the first 6 months.

This clinical review of 36 patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) found that the condition predominantly affected postmenopausal white women, with common symptoms including hairline recession, eyebrow loss, scalp pruritus, and perifollicular erythema. The study provided the first evidence-based assessment of hydroxychloroquine's efficacy in treating FFA, showing a significant reduction in symptoms at both 6 and 12 months, though the maximal benefits were observed within the first 6 months. Despite being a retrospective review, the findings suggested hydroxychloroquine as an effective treatment option for FFA.

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