Post-Menopausal Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
January 2003
in “
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
”
post-menopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia PFFA frontal fibrosing alopecia alopecia perifollicular erythema perifollicular fibrosis lichenoid reaction lichen planopilaris LPP topical steroids topical tacrolimus frontal fibrosing alopecia alopecia erythema fibrosis lichen planopilaris steroids tacrolimus
Studysummary This report from the UK reviews the literature on post-menopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia and highlights its under-recognition and distinctive characteristics compared to lichen planopilaris, but does not provide new results.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document reports on post-menopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia (PFFA), a condition characterized by symmetrical hair loss in the fronto-temporal areas of the scalp and eyebrows, primarily affecting postmenopausal women. Two cases from the UK are presented, with both patients showing progressive hair loss and clinical signs such as alopecia with loss of follicles, prominent follicles with perifollicular erythema, and no dystrophic hairs or scaling. Histological examination revealed inflammatory changes, destruction of hair follicles, perifollicular fibrosis, and a lichenoid reaction, leading to a diagnosis of PFFA. Treatments with potent topical steroids did not significantly reduce erythema or halt the progression of the disease over 6 months. PFFA is similar to lichen planopilaris (LPP) but can be distinguished by its distinct distribution and progression. The cause of PFFA is unknown, and it does not respond well to conventional treatments, though the condition may eventually burn out. The document suggests that early presentation with minimal scarring might benefit from treatment with topical tacrolimus.
