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Hair Loss References

Lichen planopilaris, lichen planus, Lupus & Hair Loss

Lichen planopilaris

Lichen planopilaris (a type of lichen planus) is a common skin disorder that affects hairy parts of the body. Most commonly reported symptoms associated with this condition are inflammation, hair loss, and scarring. In some cases, lichen planopilaris can result in permanent hair loss or even trigger other hair disorders, especially if the patient has a genetic predisposition to hair loss.

Causes

It is unclear what are the exact causes for lichenoid conditions. Some suggest that exposure to certain chemicals and allergic reactions to certain drugs may be the reason, though how is unclear. For example, exposure to antimalarial agents, penicillin, beta blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gold, and even hepatitis c infection has been known to cause lichen planus. The reaction can occur within weeks or years of exposure to the drug or the offending agent.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms are normally in the form of small, elevated bumps on the skin (like pimples). In lichen planopilaris, the papules are purple, reddish purple, or white and shiny with flat tops and uneven shapes. The elevated areas are often very itchy.

Treatment

In order to avoid permanent hair loss, prompt treatment is critical. Lichen planopilaris treatment is individualized in accordance to the severity of symptoms and the extent of the lesions (papules). Not all patients respond to treatment. If a drug or chemical is the suspected culprit, the drug should be discontinued and the chemical avoided. Treatment may include the following:

• Antihistamines to relieve moderate itching
• Injectable triamcinolone acetonide to treat large, itchy lesions
• Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., oral prednisone) for severe cases
• Topical triamcinolone acetonide cream or another, more potent corticosteroid cream to relieve intense itching

Lupus Erythematosus & Hair Loss

Overview

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Hair Loss is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of lupus.  Not all people with lupus develop hair loss, and the extent, pattern and severity of hair loss vary from patient to patient and depend on whether the patient is suffering from systemic or discoid lupus erythematosus.

Lupus is commonly found in women than in men, especially women of African descent.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an inflammatory connective tissue disorder, can affect the joints, kidneys, skin, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. About 20% of patients with this disorder have diffuse, nonscarring alopecia.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) causes raised, red rashes that become thick and scaly on the face, scalp, and other parts of the body. The rash can last days or years. DLE can cause oval patches of scarring alopecia.

Treatment

To avoid permanent hair loss and/or scarring, early diagnosis and treatment is critical. Treatments may include:

• Antimalarial medications (e.g., hydroxychloroquine), in severe cases, for months or years
• Injections of corticosteroids for difficult-to-treat lesions
• Patients should avoid the sun and other forms of ultraviolet light and should use sunscreen
• Topical corticosteroid ointments or creams for smaller lesions (excessive use should be avoided) and plastic tape coated with flurandrenolide (a corticosteroid) can sometimes be helpful.

Vendor: For suppliers or corticosteroid products, you can visit HairMedics at www.HairMedics.com

This is not a medical report. Information presented here have not been verified by medical professionals. Information is mostly gathered from forum discussions by our members. Please do not consider this as medical information. Be sure to consult your doctor before you use any products for hairloss.  

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