Lupus Panniculitis of the Scalp Presenting as a Patchy Nonscarring Alopecia: Report of an Uncommon Case

This case report describes a rare instance of lupus panniculitis of the scalp in a 40-year-old woman, presenting as patchy nonscarring alopecia. Initially, the condition was challenging to diagnose, with considerations of alopecia areata or early discoid lupus erythematosus. However, histopathological examination revealed hyaline-type fat necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate, leading to the diagnosis of lupus panniculitis. The patient was successfully treated with oral prednisolone and methotrexate, resulting in complete recovery of the alopecia. This case highlights the importance of considering lupus panniculitis in the differential diagnosis of lupus erythematosus-related alopecias.