Oral Gabapentin for Scalp Pruritus in Patients with Lichen Planopilaris: A Case Series

July 2024 in “ JAAD Case Reports ”

Li-Chi Chen, Chino Ogbutor, Ümmügülsüm Yıldız-Altay, Kristen J. Kelley, Maryanne M. Senna

gabapentin lichen planopilaris primary cicatricial alopecia substance P calcitonin gene-related peptide follicular bulge stem cells scalp pruritus

TLDR Gabapentin may help relieve itchy scalp in lichen planopilaris patients.

This case series investigates the use of oral gabapentin for treating scalp pruritus in patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP), a type of primary cicatricial alopecia. LPP is characterized by inflammation that destroys follicular bulge stem cells, leading to hair loss. The study suggests that scalp pruritus in LPP may be mediated by substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. The findings indicate that gabapentin, which is known for its effects on neuropathic pain, may be effective in alleviating scalp pruritus in LPP patients, although the document does not specify the number of cases or detailed outcomes.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Spectrum of Fibrosing Alopecias

July 2022 in “JEADV Clinical Practice”

The document concludes that different types of permanent hair loss conditions are related and early treatment is key to preventing further damage.

research Lichen Planopilaris and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Review and Update of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Features

13 citations , April 2022 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

The document concludes that more research is needed to find effective treatments for Lichen planopilaris and Frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Scalp Dysesthesia Related to Cervical Spine Disease

33 citations , November 2012 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Most women with weird scalp feelings had neck spine problems, and some got better with gabapentin treatment.