Lichen Planopilaris

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Lichen Planopilaris

http://www.dermatologychannel.net/alopecia/lichen_planopilaris.shtml

Overview

Lichen planopilaris is a type of lichen planus, a common skin disease that

affects hairy areas of the body, causing inflammation, hair loss, and scarring.

In some cases, lichen planopilaris leads to permanent hair loss.

Causes

Exposure to certain chemicals and allergic reactions to certain drugs are known

to cause " lichenoid " reactions, though how is unclear. For example, exposure to

antimalarial agents, penicillin, beta blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory

drugs, and gold has been known to cause lichen planus. The reaction can occur

within weeks or years of exposure to the drug or the offending agent. Some cases

of lichen planus have been linked to hepatitis virus C (HVC) infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Papules are small, elevated areas on the skin (like pimples). In lichen

planopilaris, the papules are purple, reddish purple, or white and shiny with

flat tops and uneven shapes. They are often very itchy.

Treatment

Lichen planopilaris should be treated as quickly as possible to avoid permanent

hair loss. Treatment is individualized because severity of symptoms, extent of

the lesions (papules), and response to treatment vary. If a drug or chemical is

the suspected cause, the drug should be discontinued and the chemical avoided.

Treatment may include the following:

a.. Antihistamines to relieve moderate itching

b.. Injectable triamcinolone acetonide to treat large, itchy lesions

c.. Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., oral prednisone) for severe cases

d.. Topical triamcinolone acetonide cream or another, more potent

corticosteroid cream to relieve intense itching

Lichen planopilaris usually resolves without treatment, but can recur years

later.

Lupus Erythematosus

Overview

Alopecia is one of many symptoms of lupus, an autoimmune disease. Not all people

with lupus develop alopecia, and the pattern and severity depend on whether the

disease is systemic or discoid.

Lupus affects more women than men and is more common among African American

women than Latina, Asian, Native American, and Caucasian women.

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