Attenuation of Disease Process Following Treatment with Low-Dose Naltrexone in Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Lichen Planopilaris: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study evaluated the effects of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) on 52 patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP). The study found that LDN, administered at doses between 2.5 to 4.5 mg daily, provided symptomatic relief and improved disease stability. For FFA patients (n=32), 9 out of 14 reported improved pruritus, 3 out of 6 noted less scalp discomfort, and 12 out of 20 exhibited decreased perifollicular erythema. Disease stability was achieved in 24 of the 32 patients. For LPP patients (n=20), 5 out of 9 noted improved pruritus, 3 out of 5 reported less scalp discomfort, and 7 out of 13 had decreased perifollicular erythema, with disease stability in 13 of the 20 patients. Despite limitations such as the retrospective design and concurrent medication use, the study supports LDN as a therapeutic option for FFA and LPP.