TLDR Etanercept may cause lichen planopilaris, so doctors should be cautious.
The document reported the onset of lichen planopilaris (LPP) in a patient undergoing treatment with etanercept, a TNF-alpha inhibitor. The case highlighted a potential adverse effect of etanercept, which is commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions. The authors suggested that clinicians should be aware of this possible side effect when prescribing etanercept, although the exact mechanism linking the drug to LPP remained unclear. The study emphasized the need for further research to understand the relationship between TNF-alpha inhibitors and the development of LPP.
169 citations
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May 2006 in “Genes & Development” Keratin 17 is crucial for normal hair growth by regulating hair cycle transitions with TNFα.
75 citations
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June 2005 in “Archives of Dermatology” Etanercept may not prevent alopecia areata from coming back.
2 citations
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January 2014 in “Journal of clinical and investigative dermatology” Some drugs used to treat immune conditions may cause different types of hair loss.
October 2025 in “Dermatology Practical & Conceptual” Psoriasis patients are more likely to develop alopecia areata due to complex autoimmune interactions.
15 citations
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March 2021 in “Journal of clinical medicine” Biologic treatments for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause skin problems, and doctors should adjust treatment if these occur.
January 2018 in “Springer eBooks” PDE inhibitors, especially PDE4 inhibitors like apremilast, are effective for certain inflammatory skin conditions but have side effects and can be costly.
February 2024 in “PloS one” Tofacitinib and adalimumab are promising treatments for cicatricial alopecia with few side effects.
