It Is Not Invisible! A Case Report of 2 Patients with Scalp Lichen Planopilaris Mimicking Androgenic Alopecia

December 2017 in “ Annals of Dermatological Research ”

Sorbellini Elisabetta, Pinto Daniela, Marzani Barbara, Fabio Rinaldi

Lichen Planopilaris androgenetic alopecia dermatoscopic analysis histopathological analysis scalp thinning erythema pruritus clobetasol propionate foam inflammation fibrosis hair loss LPP androgenic alopecia itching clobetasol

TLDR Accurate early diagnosis of Lichen Planopilaris is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.

This case report described two patients, a 27-year-old male and a 54-year-old female, who were initially misdiagnosed with androgenetic alopecia but were later correctly diagnosed with Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) through dermatoscopic and histopathological analysis. Both patients exhibited symptoms such as scalp thinning, erythema, and pruritus. After the correct diagnosis, they were treated with clobetasol propionate foam, which successfully reduced inflammation, erythema, itching, and fibrosis, stabilizing the condition and preventing further hair loss. The report emphasized the importance of accurate and early diagnosis of LPP to prevent irreversible baldness and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

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Research cited in this study

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research Lichen Planopilaris in the Androgenetic Alopecia Area: A Pitfall for Hair Transplantation

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research Lichen Planopilaris: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

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New insights show Lichen Planopilaris is a rare, scarring hair loss condition, hard to treat, mainly affecting middle-aged women, and significantly impacts mental health.

research A Case-Series of 29 Patients with Lichen Planopilaris: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Experience on Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

113 citations, May 2007 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

The study found that steroids and tetracycline helped treat active Lichen planopilaris, and hair transplants were good for later stages.

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecias: Clinicopathology of 112 Cases

254 citations, December 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial to prevent permanent hair loss in cicatricial alopecia.

research Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

158 citations, February 2000 in “Archives of dermatology”

Some people with pattern hair loss may also have scalp inflammation and scarring similar to lichen planopilaris.

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