Lichen Planopilaris
I. Definition:
Lichen planopilaris, also known as follicular lichen planus, causes progressive hair loss and scarring of the scalp. Lichen planopilaris can sometimes affect other hair baring areas of the body. It is more common in women.
II. Causes:
· The cause is unknown.
· Lichen planopilaris is not dangerous or contagious (does not spread from person to person), but can cause permanent scarring and hair loss of the scalp.
· If you look at lichen planopilaris under a microscope, one can see immune cells attacking the skin and hair cells. The immune cells normally attack germs. No one knows why the immune cells attack skin and hair cells in people with lichen planopilaris.
III. Treatment:
· There is no good treatment for lichen planopilaris. There is no cure for this condition.
· Cortisone solutions applied to the scalp can slow down the progression of the disease and help with the itching of the scalp.
· Once the hair is gone in this condition, there is no way to bring it back.
Lichen planopilaris, also known as follicular lichen planus, causes progressive hair loss and scarring of the scalp. Lichen planopilaris can sometimes affect other hair baring areas of the body. It is more common in women.
II. Causes:
· The cause is unknown.
· Lichen planopilaris is not dangerous or contagious (does not spread from person to person), but can cause permanent scarring and hair loss of the scalp.
· If you look at lichen planopilaris under a microscope, one can see immune cells attacking the skin and hair cells. The immune cells normally attack germs. No one knows why the immune cells attack skin and hair cells in people with lichen planopilaris.
III. Treatment:
· There is no good treatment for lichen planopilaris. There is no cure for this condition.
· Cortisone solutions applied to the scalp can slow down the progression of the disease and help with the itching of the scalp.
· Once the hair is gone in this condition, there is no way to bring it back.