Focal atrichia with itching
Focal atrichia (+ itching)
Focal areas of hair loss are common in advanced stages of androgenetic alopecia. However, other conditions can often mimic this so called 'focal atrichia'.
The photo shows a patient with lichen planopilaris (a scarring alopecia) who has focal areas of complete hair loss. The slight amount of redness along with the itching and tenderness in the area is an indication that another cause besides androgenetic alopecia might be present. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lichen planopilaris (LPP).
Further Reading
This article was written by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a Canadian and US board certified dermatologist specializing exclusively in hair loss.