Primary Cicatricial Alopecia Associated With Systemic Indolent Mastocytosis

January 2020 in “ JAAD case reports ”

Sonya Prasad, Brianna De Souza, Lindsay H. Burns, Maryanne M. Senna

primary cicatricial alopecia systemic indolent mastocytosis telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans mast cell infiltration topical tacrolimus scarring alopecia PCA SM TMEP tacrolimus

TLDR Systemic mastocytosis may cause a type of hair loss called cicatricial alopecia.

A 63-year-old woman with systemic indolent mastocytosis (SM) and telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) presented with primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) affecting her eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp. Histological analysis of her scalp biopsy revealed significant mast cell infiltration, suggesting a link between mastocytosis and PCA. Treatment with topical tacrolimus led to complete resolution of her scalp symptoms. This case supports the emerging evidence that mast cells may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PCA, highlighting the need for further research and consideration of mastocytosis in patients with scarring alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

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research Pathomechanisms of Immune-Mediated Alopecia

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The study concluded that immune cells attacking hair follicles cause hair loss in alopecia, with genetics and environment also playing a role, and highlighted the potential of certain treatments.

research Mast Cells and Scarring Alopecia: Is There a Clear Pathophysiological Relationship?

2 citations, November 2015 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

The document suggests a possible link between mast cells and scarring alopecia, recommending more research for potential treatments.

research The Pathogenesis of Primary Cicatricial Alopecias

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in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Finasteride doesn't work for me in 2 years and my bloodtest result just came in.

in Progress Pictures 88 upvotes 1 year ago

A user has been treating hair loss with finasteride for two years without success and is experiencing an itchy scalp with seborrhea. Despite low DHT levels, they are still losing hair, suggesting that DHT might not be the main cause of their hair loss, and they are considering other treatments or causes.

community Primary Care Provider told me to not be concerned and just take biotin.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 2 upvotes 1 month ago

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community If DHT is the one big primary reason for Hairloss.. Then other reasons are hoax?

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The GT20029 tincture, a topical androgen receptor degrader, showed significant hair growth and good safety in a China Phase II trial for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with the 1% dose twice weekly identified as optimal. The company plans to initiate Phase III trials in China and Phase II in the U.S., and the treatment also shows promise for acne.

community We need to keep these snake oil companies accountable.

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