Lichen Planopilaris

What is Lichen Planopilaris?

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) also known as lichen planus of the hair follicle is an immune based scalp condition that causes scarring alopecia. The early signs of LPP can be subtle but often include itching, burning, scalp tenderness or pain.

This up close “dermatoscopic” image of the scalp shows typical features of LPP including scalp redness, white scale around hair follicles and broken hairs. The blue dot is my marker and denotes the sight at which I will obtain a biopsy.

Treatments for LPP include topical steroids, steroid injections, topical calcineurin inhibitors, oral doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, cyclosporine, isotretinoin, mycophenolate and others.