Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cicatricial Alopecia

In 2019, a study was conducted on the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the treatment of primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs), specifically lichen planopilaris (LPP) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). PRP, a preparation of plasma with platelet concentrations up to 7 times higher than normal, was previously used for hair restoration in noncicatricial alopecias. The study involved two patients, a 53-year-old African American woman with CCCA and a 70-year-old white woman with LPP. Both patients had previously tried other treatments without success. After three treatments of PRP, both patients showed global improvement in hair density. However, a reduction in follicular density was noted in both patients within 6 months after treatment. The study concluded that PRP might be beneficial in treating PCAs due to its anti-inflammatory effect, ability to remodel scar tissue, and its richness in growth factors. However, the authors noted that placebo-controlled trials are necessary to fully understand the benefits of PRP in the treatment of PCAs.