Topical Gabapentin and Its Relation to Cutaneous Innervation in Symptomatic Lymphocytic Primary Cicatricial Alopecia

    April 2024 in “ Skin health and disease ”
    Sara Bohjanen, Brian McAdams, Nicola Mead, Adam Loavenbruck, George L. Wilcox, Briana Paiewonsky, Javed Shaik, Maria Hordinsky
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    TLDR Using a special skin cream with gabapentin helped reduce symptoms of a certain scalp condition but didn't change nerve fibers or skin chemicals.
    A pilot study conducted by the University of Minnesota investigated the effects of 6% topical gabapentin solution on patients with lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA). The study involved five participants (three with Lichen Planopilaris, one with frontal fibrosing alopecia, and one with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia) who applied the solution to affected areas twice daily for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in symptoms and improvement in Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index scores. Additionally, new terminal hair growth was observed in some participants. However, there was no pronounced effect on nerve fibre density or neuropeptide expression. The study concluded that 6% topical gabapentin solution could be a potential treatment option for symptomatic lymphocytic PCA patients unresponsive to standard medical management. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to confirm these findings.
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