Therapeutic Intervention in Lichen Planus Pilaris: Synergy of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Topical Corticosteroid

January 2024 in “ Brazilian Journal of Hair Health ”

Cristal Bastos

low-level laser therapy topical corticosteroid Lichen Planopilaris alopecia scarring alopecia anti-inflammatory tonic LLLT corticosteroid

TLDR Combining low-level laser therapy with topical corticosteroids effectively improved Lichen Planopilaris symptoms.

The study explores the effectiveness of combining low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with topical corticosteroid treatment for Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a challenging scarring form of alopecia. Due to the patient's renal and hepatic comorbidities, systemic treatments were not viable, leading to a regimen of daily topical corticosteroid and weekly LLLT sessions over 2 months. The treatment resulted in significant improvement, with reduced inflammation and symptoms like itching and burning. The patient continued with an anti-inflammatory tonic and remained in remission 6 months post-treatment, highlighting the potential of this combined therapy approach for managing LPP.

View this study on brazjhairhealth.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research A Systematic Review And Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis Of Medical Therapies For Lichen Planopilaris

4 citations , October 2023 in “Dermatology”

The best treatment for lichen planopilaris is a combination of clobetasol, hydroxychloroquine, and N-acetylcysteine.

Low-Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% for Sustainable Hair Regrowth

research Low-Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% for Sustainable Hair Regrowth

4 citations , May 2021 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Light therapy reduces scalp inflammation, boosts hair regrowth with Minoxidil 2%.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

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

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year 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 DHT Harms Scalp Microbiome: DHT Itch is REAL

in Research/Science 413 upvotes 9 months ago

Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 3 years ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 73 upvotes 5 years ago

The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

community Well here I am 3-4 years later.

in Update 56 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about someone who has been taking finasteride for hair loss without success, considering switching to dutasteride or giving up treatment. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, microneedling, infrared therapy, multivitamins, and high-concentration topical solutions combining finasteride and dutasteride.

community DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

in Update 35 upvotes 6 years ago

The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

research Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

11 citations , February 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Low-Level Light Therapy significantly reduced inflammation and promoted hair regrowth in patients with Lichen planopilaris.

research A Decade of Progress in Androgenetic Alopecia Management: Emerging Therapies and Multimodal Strategies

December 2025 in “IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Androgenetic alopecia treatments are becoming more personalized and include new therapies like topical antiandrogens and regenerative strategies.

research Clinical Trials and Hair Loss

1 citations , July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks”

Many treatments for hair loss show potential, but more testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Only minoxidil for women and minoxidil and finasteride for men are FDA approved.

$Lichen Planus – A Refractory Autoimmune Disorder$

research Lichen Planus – A Refractory Autoimmune Disorder

April 2023 in “IP Indian journal of clinical and experimental dermatology”

Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is hard to treat and more common in women.

research Safety of Alopecia Treatments in Patients With Breast Cancer and High-Risk Women: A Review

July 2025 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Alopecia treatments like 5α-reductase inhibitors and spironolactone are safe for breast cancer patients and high-risk women.