Lichen Planopilaris in Skin of Color: A Case Report
June 2023
in “
Journal of dermatology for physician assistants
”
TLDR Lichen planopilaris should be considered when diagnosing hair loss in people with darker skin as it may be often missed.
This document reports on a case of Lichen planopilaris (LPP), a rare inflammatory scalp condition that leads to scarring hair loss, typically seen in women aged 41-50 and more commonly diagnosed in white patients. The case underlines the importance of considering LPP in the differential diagnosis of alopecia in individuals with skin of color, as it may be underdiagnosed in this group. The patient in question was initially diagnosed with traction alopecia but later developed LPP, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis as treatments differ between alopecia types. The primary treatment goal for LPP is to slow or halt disease progression and alleviate symptoms.