Oral Gabapentin for Scalp Pruritus in Patients with Lichen Planopilaris: A Case Series
July 2024
in “
JAAD Case Reports
”
Studysummary This study links scalp pruritus in lichen planopilaris and its variants to the inflammation-induced release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide by sensory nerves around hair follicle inflammation sites.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case series investigated the use of oral gabapentin for scalp pruritus in 11 Caucasian female patients with lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, or fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution. Over a treatment period of at least 3 months with doses ranging from 100 to 900 mg daily, 27.3% of patients experienced complete resolution of scalp itch, while 54.5% had partial resolution. Significant reductions were observed in itch numeric rating scale and Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index scores. The study indicates that gabapentin may be effective for treating scalp pruritus in these conditions, although larger controlled trials are necessary for confirmation. Gabapentin was mostly well-tolerated, with minor side effects reported.
