Reversible Hair Loss in Lichen Planopilaris: Regrowth With Low-Dose Naltrexone and Platelet-Rich Plasma

    May 2022 in “ Journal of Drugs in Dermatology ”
    Elizabeth G. Klein, Maria Karim, Randie H. Kim, Kristen Lo Sicco, Jerry Shapiro
    TLDR Low-dose naltrexone and platelet-rich plasma can regrow hair in lichen planopilaris.
    A 46-year-old woman with biopsy-confirmed lichen planopilaris (LPP) experienced significant hair regrowth in a previously scarred alopecic patch after treatment with low-dose naltrexone (LDN) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This occurred despite minimal response to prior therapies, including intralesional corticosteroids, topical clobetasol, topical minoxidil, finasteride, doxycycline, and ketoconazole shampoo. This case underscores the potential of LDN and PRP as effective treatments for LPP and highlights the need for more comprehensive research on treatment options and prognosis for LPP patients.
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      in Research/Science  43 upvotes 3 months ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.
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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 Testosterone and hair loss seeming irrelevance

      in Research/Science  81 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about the role of testosterone in hair loss and the effectiveness of different treatments. The conclusion is that DHT is the main culprit for hair loss, and finasteride has been proven to work long-term in maintaining and regrowing hair. Testosterone may have a minor effect, but it is not the primary cause of hair loss.

      community A hill on which I will die: The DHT itch absolutely exists

      in Research/Science  206 upvotes 7 months ago
      The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  449 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

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