Lichen Planopilaris in Skin of Color: A Case Report

June 2023 in “ Journal of dermatology for physician assistants ”

Geraint James, Sarah B. W. Patton

Lichen planopilaris LPP scarring hair loss alopecia traction alopecia inflammatory scalp condition

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.

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Research cited in this study

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research Lichen Planopilaris Epidemiology: A Retrospective Study of 80 Cases

37 citations, October 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Lichen planopilaris mostly affects women with fair skin and can look different on each person, needing early treatment to prevent hair loss.

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community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 7 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

in Chat 33 upvotes 2 years ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

community Hair Loss & Lipids: Why you have sebderm, folliculitis, LPP, inflammation, etc...

in Research/Science 133 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Excess sebum rich in cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to hair loss through inflammation, with treatments like Ciclopirox shampoo, Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo, and Clindamycin gel recommended for managing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis. Pioglitazone is suggested for Lichen Planopilaris, while Omega-3s and reducing processed foods may improve sebum quality, though genetic factors play a significant role.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 1 month ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community Losing Hair on Dutasteride? You might have LPP

in Research/Science 98 upvotes 1 month ago

Men with hair loss might have lichen planopilaris (LPP), which can mimic androgenetic alopecia, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. Proper diagnosis, including biopsies, is crucial to distinguish between androgenetic alopecia and conditions like LPP.

community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 7 months ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

Related Research

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research Bold to Do — Bald to Be? Outcomes Decades After Harvesting the Scalp in Burned Children

5 citations, October 2018 in “Burns”

Most patients who had scalp skin removed for burns as children had normal hair growth and were satisfied years later.

research Incidental Syringomas of the Scalp in a Patient with Scarring Alopecia

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.