Evaluation of Hair Surface Structure and Morphology of Patients with Lichen Planopilaris by Atomic Force Microscopy

    September 2024 in “ Skin Research and Technology ”
    Karolina Krawczyk‐Wołoszyn, Magdalena Żychowska, Adam Reich
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    TLDR AFM can help diagnose lichen planopilaris by identifying specific hair structure changes.
    The study utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine hair surface morphology in 10 patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP) and 10 healthy controls, revealing significant differences such as more scratches, wavy edges, and scales with pitting in LPP hair. Although the study found trends in scale step height, apparent scale length, and scale width, these were not statistically significant. The research identified unique morphological changes, including architectural disruption and increased exfoliation, which could aid in diagnosing LPP. Despite its small sample size and focus on morphology, the study suggests AFM's potential as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for LPP, warranting further research.
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