Lichen planopilaris.
Lichen planopilaris is a chronic scarring alopecia characterized by follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular erythema, and loss of follicular orifices. The scalp lesions may be single or multiple and commonly involve the vertex and parietal area. The hair follicles at the margin of the alopecic patches reveal perifollicular erythema. Anagen hairs can be pulled out easily in active lesions. Associated cutaneous, nail, and mucous membrane lichen planus may be present. Commonly encountered symptoms and signs are increased hair shedding, itching, scaling, burning, and tenderness. Differentiation from other cicatricial alopecia can be performed through meticulous evaluation of the clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistopathologic findings. Treatment strategies depend on the disease activity and physician expertise. Although there are no definitive curative modalities, some new discoveries and conceptual advances continue to broaden our treatment options of this complex condition.
Kang
Hoon
H
Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. johnkang@catholic.ac.kr
Alzolibani
Abdullateef A
AA
Otberg
Nina
N
Shapiro
Jerry
J
D000505:Alopecia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology