Lichen Planopilaris Mimicking Androgenic Alopecia: The Importance of Using a Dermatoscope

May 2022 in “ Hair transplant forum international ”

Krejci J, Moses Alfaro

lichen planopilaris androgenic alopecia scarring alopecia dermatoscope pattern alopecia hair restoration surgery pattern baldness hair transplant

Studysummary This review emphasizes the importance of thorough scalp examinations and dermatoscope use in diagnosing scarring alopecia and reports no new results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Scarring alopecia, affecting 7% of patients at hair loss specialty clinics, can mimic or coexist with pattern alopecia, making diagnosis challenging. A thorough physical examination of the scalp using a dermatoscope is essential for accurate diagnosis. Hair restoration surgeons must be vigilant to avoid the costly mistake of performing surgery on patients with scarring alopecia, which could lead to unsuccessful outcomes.

View this study on ishrs-htforum.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Diffuse Variants of Scalp Lichen Planopilaris: Clinical, Trichoscopic, and Histopathologic Features of 40 Patients

35 citations , November 2019 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reviewed 40 patients with scalp symptoms and identified a new variant of diffuse lichen planopilaris in 20 individuals, suggesting these conditions should be considered in similar cases.

research Lichen Planopilaris in the Androgenetic Alopecia Area: A Pitfall for Hair Transplantation

14 citations , January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This study reports that subtle presentations of lichen planopilaris may be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis in patients with androgenetic alopecia, highlighting the importance of dermatoscopy-guided biopsy for accurate diagnosis.

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Diagnosis and Treatment

48 citations , May 2013 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal”

This article discusses common causes of hair loss, specifically androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, but reports no new clinical findings.