Dermoscopy and Clinicohistopathological Profile of Lichen Planopilaris Restricted to the Face: A Case Series of Six Unusual Cases

    Rohit Kothari, Sunmeet Sandhu
    TLDR Facial lichen planopilaris may be triggered by shaving and mustard oil, and early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes.
    This case series examines six unusual cases of lichen planopilaris (LPP) restricted to the face, a rare form of autoimmune cicatricial alopecia. The study includes five men aged 32–60 and a 12-year-old girl, marking the youngest known case. Patients exhibited hyperpigmented atrophic patches and scarring alopecia on the face, with the chin being the most affected area. Dermoscopy revealed reduced hair follicles, cicatricial alopecia, and various pigmentation patterns. Histopathology showed perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis. The study suggests that regular shaving and mustard oil application might trigger facial LPP. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and steroids showed a favorable but suboptimal response, emphasizing the need for early detection to prevent significant morbidity.
    Discuss this study in the Community →