Post Herpetic Itch Leading to Frictional Alopecia of Eyebrow and Scalp-A Hitherto Undescribed Phenomenon

This article presents a unique case of frictional alopecia of the eyebrows and scalp as a complication of severe post herpetic itch (PHI) following herpes zoster. A 52-year-old woman experienced significant itching and hair loss on the left side of her face and scalp after a herpes zoster episode. The constant rubbing of the affected areas led to frictional alopecia, characterized by bent and broken hairs, as observed through trichoscopy. Treatment with gabapentin resulted in the resolution of itching and regrowth of hair. The study highlights the importance of examining hair in areas affected by herpes zoster to detect and manage such hair loss. This is reportedly the first documented case of its kind, suggesting the need for further research on this phenomenon.