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.

View this study on heighpubs.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

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

14 citations, January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Misdiagnosis of LPP in AGA patients can cause hair transplant issues.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Clinical Review of 36 Patients

159 citations, August 2010 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Hydroxychloroquine effectively reduces symptoms of frontal fibrosing alopecia, especially in the first 6 months.

research Lichen Planopilaris Treated With a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Agonist

105 citations, December 2009 in “Archives of dermatology”

A specific drug can help treat Lichen Planopilaris, a condition causing permanent hair loss.

research Lichen Planus

155 citations, June 2009 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Lichen planus is a skin condition that can resolve on its own, is linked to hepatitis C, and increases the risk of skin cancer.

research Lichen Planopilaris: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

160 citations, March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 47 results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 6 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 Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 1 week ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community DUPA/Retrograde might not be DHT based...GET A BIOPSY QUICK or permanent Hair Loss!

in Research/Science 38 upvotes 2 weeks ago

DUPA and retrograde alopecia may not be solely DHT-based, and a biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, oral minoxidil, pioglitazone, clobetasol, calcipotriol, ketoconazole, and doxycycline, depending on the specific condition.

community One year of progress (Fin, 1mg)

in Is this regrowth? 281 upvotes 1 month ago

The user started finasteride (1mg) a year ago for hair thinning, experiencing stabilization but not significant regrowth. Suggestions included adding minoxidil, microneedling, and considering a hair transplant for improved results.

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 Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution

in Research/Science 14 upvotes 11 months ago

A user has been experiencing hair loss for 4 years, with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and various supplements proving ineffective. They were diagnosed with fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, a condition that may require a combination of anti-inflammatory and hair growth treatments.

Related Research

5 / 5 results