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.

View this study on jaadcasereports.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Pathomechanisms of Immune-Mediated Alopecia

45 citations, April 2019 in “International Immunology”

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

150 citations, October 2010 in “The American Journal of Pathology”

The document concludes that more research is needed to better understand and treat primary cicatricial alopecias, and suggests a possible reclassification based on molecular pathways.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 290 results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 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 2 months ago

A 19-year-old was advised by their primary care provider to take biotin for hair loss instead of minoxidil or finasteride due to potential side effects and age concerns. The user is considering seeking a second opinion from a dermatologist.

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

in Chat 8 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses various theories and suggestions for hair loss, with a focus on DHT as the primary cause. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community GT20029 China Phase II Trial For AGA Reached Primary Endpoint

in Research/Science 134 upvotes 8 months ago

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.

in Treatment 121 upvotes 6 months ago

Biotin is being misleadingly marketed as a primary treatment for androgenic alopecia, overshadowing more effective treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. There is a call for increased awareness and accountability to prevent misinformation.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Index

November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology”

The document is a detailed medical reference on skin and genetic disorders.

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 Cyclosporin: Applications in Small Animal Dermatology

59 citations, February 2003 in “Veterinary Dermatology”

Cyclosporin is effective for treating skin conditions in small animals, but requires careful dosing and monitoring for side effects.

Alopecias: Practical Tips for the Management of Biopsies and Main Diagnostic Clues for General Pathologists and Dermatopathologists

research Alopecias: Practical Tips for the Management of Biopsies and Main Diagnostic Clues for General Pathologists and Dermatopathologists

July 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

The document concludes that understanding hair follicle histology and the hair cycle is crucial for diagnosing alopecia.

research The Diagnosis and Management of Alopecia

November 2012 in “South African Family Practice”

The article concludes that early treatment of alopecia is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.