Reversible Hair Loss in a Patient With Cicatricial Alopecia: A Case of Regrowth Associated With Pioglitazone Use

August 2022 in “ JAAD case reports ”

Maria Karim, Elizabeth J. Klein, Nooshin K. Brinster, Evan A. Rieder, Kristen Lo Sicco, Jerry Shapiro

cicatricial alopecia lichen planopilaris pioglitazone low-level light therapy corticosteroids hydroxychloroquine doxycycline minoxidil immunomodulating properties LLLT Rogaine

TLDR Pioglitazone use was linked to hair regrowth in a patient with permanent hair loss from cicatricial alopecia.

A 52-year-old female with biopsy-confirmed lichen planopilaris (LPP), a type of cicatricial alopecia, experienced significant hair regrowth after incorporating oral pioglitazone and low-level light therapy (LLLT) into her treatment regimen. Despite initial treatments with corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, doxycycline, and minoxidil, her condition worsened. However, 4 months after starting pioglitazone, she showed remarkable hair density improvement and resolution of symptoms. This case suggests that pioglitazone, known for its immunomodulating properties, may be effective in promoting hair regrowth in cicatricial alopecia, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and potential as a treatment option.

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Research cited in this study

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research Oral Minoxidil Improves Background Hair Thickness in Lichen Planopilaris

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Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

research Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

11 citations, February 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Low-Level Light Therapy significantly reduced inflammation and promoted hair regrowth in patients with Lichen planopilaris.

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Treatment Approaches and Classification

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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 scarring alopecia awareness in this community

in Chat 33 upvotes 2 years ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 2 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

community Totally confused by doctors opinions, would appreciate some clarity

in Treatment 1 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The user is experiencing hair loss and confusion over conflicting medical advice, with treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, and topical corticosteroids. They are unsure about the necessity of a biopsy and the timing of using minoxidil, while also considering the impact of potential androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.

community Finasteride not working isnt it MPB?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 5 upvotes 7 months ago

A user is concerned that finasteride isn't working for their hair loss, questioning if it's due to male pattern baldness or low iron levels. They are advised to take finasteride daily and get blood work done.

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.

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