Novel Treatment Using Low-Dose Naltrexone for Lichen Planopilaris

November 2017 in “ PubMed ”

Lauren C. Strazzulla, Lorena Avila, Kristen Lo Sicco, Jerry Shapiro

lichen planopilaris low-dose naltrexone pruritus scalp inflammation LPP naltrexone

TLDR Low-dose naltrexone helps reduce symptoms and slow down lichen planopilaris without side effects.

The document described a retrospective medical record review of four patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP) treated with low-dose naltrexone (3 mg/day). The treatment resulted in reduced symptoms of pruritus, clinical evidence of scalp inflammation, and disease progression. All patients tolerated the medication well without adverse effects. This case series was the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of low-dose naltrexone for LPP, highlighting its potential as a well-tolerated and cost-effective treatment option.

View this study on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 72 results

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

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 1 year 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.

community 8 years of hair loss, turning 30 next month

in Progress Pictures 150 upvotes 3 months ago

The user has been dealing with hair loss for 10 years, worsened by psoriasis, and uses minoxidil and finasteride. They seek advice on managing psoriasis and hair loss, with suggestions to see a dermatologist, try different shampoos, and be patient.

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 Testosterone and hair loss seeming irrelevance

in Research/Science 81 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation is about the role of testosterone in hair loss and the effectiveness of different treatments. The conclusion is that DHT is the main culprit for hair loss, and finasteride has been proven to work long-term in maintaining and regrowing hair. Testosterone may have a minor effect, but it is not the primary cause of hair loss.

community Popular hair loss drug linked to higher suicide risk: compared to non-users, finasteride (Proscar/ Propecia) users have a markedly increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Over 30 years of observation, 19,320 suicides were expected.

in Research/Science 490 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Finasteride users may have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, though some attribute these issues to hair loss itself. The link between finasteride and mental health effects is debated, with varying user experiences.

community Joined the Dutasteride Master Race

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 580 upvotes 8 months ago

Dutasteride and finasteride are discussed for hair loss treatment, with users sharing experiences and debating their effectiveness and side effects. Celebrities are noted as common users, and there is debate over which treatment is superior.

Related Research

6 / 6 results

research Use of a Scalp Clarifying Shampoo in the Treatment of Lichen Planopilaris and Female Pattern Hair Loss

July 2022 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Scalp clarifying shampoo can help reduce hair loss and improve hair volume.

research Role of Low Dose Oral Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Review

1 citations , August 2021 in “Cosmoderma”

Low-dose oral minoxidil is effective and well-tolerated for treating hair loss.

research Tolerability of Six Months Indirect Cold Physical Plasma Treatment of the Scalp for Hair Loss

3 citations , November 2020 in “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology”

Cold plasma treatment for hair loss was well tolerated and showed improvement in most patients.

research A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Scalp Hair Loss in Children (0–18 Years) in Kota Region, South-East Rajasthan

6 citations , January 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology”

About 12% of children in Kota, Rajasthan, experience hair loss, mainly due to fungal infections, with early treatment advised to prevent worsening.

research Hair Disorders

August 2018 in “Oxford University Press eBooks”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document cannot be parsed.

research Psoriatic Alopecia in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

3 citations , March 2017 in “Case Reports in Dermatology”

A woman with lupus improved significantly from scalp hair loss after treatment, highlighting the need to identify psoriatic alopecia in lupus patients to avoid permanent hair loss.