Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Regrowth Following Cessation of Sunscreen on the Forehead
June 2018
in “
Australasian Journal of Dermatology
”
frontal fibrosing alopecia FFA hair regrowth sunscreen female pattern hair loss hydroxychloroquine dutasteride minoxidil spironolactone intralesional triamcinolone injections follicular infundibulum immune reaction sebum production postmenopausal women Plaquenil Avodart Rogaine Aldactone Kenalog injections
TLDR Stopping sunscreen use on the forehead led to hair regrowth in a woman with frontal fibrosing alopecia.
In a case report, a 54-year-old perimenopausal woman with a clinical diagnosis of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) experienced hair regrowth along the anterior hairline after ceasing the use of sunscreen on her forehead. Despite various treatments for FFA and associated female pattern hair loss, including hydroxychloroquine, dutasteride, minoxidil, spironolactone, and intralesional triamcinolone injections, the patient's condition only mildly improved. However, within 6 months of stopping sunscreen application on the forehead, noticeable hair regrowth occurred, and this improvement was sustained even 12 months after ceasing all systemic and topical therapy for FFA. The authors suggest that sunscreen may contribute to FFA pathophysiology by entering the follicular infundibulum and eliciting an immune reaction, particularly in postmenopausal women with low sebum production. They recommend that patients with FFA avoid applying sunscreen on the forehead and use a cap or hat for sun protection instead. The case highlights the need for prospective trials and extended patch testing to better understand the role of sunscreen and skin care products in FFA.
