TLDR Lichen planopilaris mostly affects women with fair skin and can look different on each person, needing early treatment to prevent hair loss.
In a retrospective study of 80 cases of Lichen planopilaris (LPP), researchers found that the condition predominantly affected females (91.25%) with phototype II skin (66.25%). Classic LPP was the most common presentation (62.5%), followed by frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) at 31%, and a single case of Graham-Little Piccardi-Lassueur Syndrome (GLPLS). The study revealed a variety of lesion locations and emphasized the heterogeneity of LPP's clinical appearance, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Dermoscopic findings commonly included perifollicular hyperkeratosis and reduced follicle numbers. Various treatments were used, such as antimalarials, topical minoxidil, and corticosteroids. The study also noted that FFA might be underdiagnosed and highlighted the importance of early recognition and intervention to prevent progression of this cicatricial alopecia. However, the study acknowledged the limitation of potential inaccuracies due to reliance on medical records. Dermatoscopy and scalp biopsy were recommended as useful tools for evaluating LPP.
159 citations,
August 2010 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Hydroxychloroquine effectively reduces symptoms of frontal fibrosing alopecia, especially in the first 6 months.
73 citations,
April 2010 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Dermoscopy helps diagnose and monitor treatment for hair loss from scarring conditions like discoid lupus and lichen planopilaris.
160 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” New insights show Lichen Planopilaris is a rare, scarring hair loss condition, hard to treat, mainly affecting middle-aged women, and significantly impacts mental health.
[object Object] 
90 citations,
July 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy” Lichen planopilaris is a chronic, scarring hair loss condition with no definitive cure, requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms.
158 citations,
February 2000 in “Archives of dermatology” Some people with pattern hair loss may also have scalp inflammation and scarring similar to lichen planopilaris.
September 2020 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” A patient with a skin condition had unusual scarring hair loss but improved with treatment.
A 21-year-old with lichen planopilaris was successfully treated, stopping disease progression and preventing crusts.
4 citations,
July 2015 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” A woman with unexplained hair loss was found to have harmless skin tumors and a scarring hair loss condition, but the tumors didn't cause the hair loss.
[object Object]
