Lichen Planopilaris: Chronic Scarring Alopecia with Autoimmune Component
July 2008
in “
Dermatologic therapy
”
Lichen planopilaris chronic scarring alopecia autoimmune T lymphocytes follicular antigens vertex parietal areas hair shedding itching tenderness clinical findings histopathologic findings corticosteroids hydroxychloroquine immunomodulating agents hair transplantation scalp reduction permanent hair loss LPP scarring alopecia autoimmune disease T cells hair follicles steroids Plaquenil immunosuppressants hair transplant scalp surgery
TLDR Lichen planopilaris is a chronic, scarring hair loss condition with no definitive cure, requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms.
The 2008 document describes Lichen planopilaris (LPP) as a chronic scarring alopecia with an autoimmune component, where T lymphocytes target follicular antigens. It primarily affects the vertex and parietal areas of the scalp and is characterized by symptoms such as hair shedding, itching, and tenderness. Diagnosis is based on clinical and histopathologic findings, and treatment varies depending on disease activity and includes corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and other immunomodulating agents, with hair transplantation or scalp reduction as potential options after a period without inflammation. The document emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment due to the distress caused by permanent hair loss, despite the absence of a definitive cure.
