Manifestation of Pityriasis Amiantacea Following Initiation of Minoxidil
April 2022
in “
JAAD case reports
”
Studysummary In this case report, researchers observed that a 47-year-old woman developed pityriasis amiantacea after using topical minoxidil, suggesting a potential new etiology for this scalp condition. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The document presents a unique case of a 47-year-old woman who developed Pityriasis Amiantacea (PA), an uncommon inflammatory scalp condition, after initiating treatment with topical minoxidil 5% foam. PA is characterized by thick, adherent scales that bind to hair follicles, leading to hair matting and alopecia. The patient's symptoms persisted despite stopping the minoxidil and did not respond to topical treatments for scalp infection. She was diagnosed with PA based on clinical examination and history, and was prescribed ketoconazole 2% shampoo and clobetasol solution, which led to complete resolution of her symptoms within a month. This case emphasizes the multifactorial pathogenesis of PA and its potential to appear as a sequela of various conditions, treatments, and environmental factors. Early recognition and treatment of PA can prevent serious alopecic complications.
