SACEDA
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris is a type of scarring alopecia caused by an autoimmune response. It occurs more commonly in adult women, although men can also be affected. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss and scarring of the scalp. The exact cause is still unknown. It is not contagious and has no relation to allergies.
Symptoms of Lichen Planopilaris
The most common symptoms include:
- Itching in specific or diffuse areas of the scalp.
- Scalp discomfort or tenderness, also known as trichodynia.
- Redness and local inflammation.
- Progressive hair thinning or patchy hair loss.
The condition tends to evolve in phases: periods of inflammation alternate with stable phases where no active hair loss occurs. Its course is typically chronic and can last for several years.
How Lichen Planopilaris Is Diagnosed
A proper diagnosis requires evaluation by a dermatologist specialized in medical hair disorders. Early signs of this condition can be easily mistaken for other more common types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium.
Diagnostic tools include:
- Digital trichoscopy, used to detect hallmark signs like perifollicular scaling (flaking around the hair root) and small scarring patches.
- In many cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and support clinical research.
Treatment and Management of Lichen Planopilaris
The main goal of treatment is to control inflammation and prevent further hair follicle damage. During active phases, specific treatments are used to reduce immune activity. In stable phases, supportive care helps to keep the condition under control for as long as possible.
Common treatment options include:
- Topical therapies, applied directly to the affected areas to reduce inflammation.
- Systemic therapies, prescribed based on individual medical evaluation.
- Non-invasive supportive therapies, such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), which uses a specific wavelength of light to help modulate inflammation and support scalp health.
- Newer advanced immunomodulatory therapies are showing growing evidence of effectiveness in managing folliculitis decalvans.
All treatments must be personalized and monitored by a specialist in scarring alopecias. Proper management can help preserve existing hair and improve quality of life.
