Lichen Planopilaris: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Some news you might not want to hear: Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is a skin disease that can lead to hair loss.
It’s a type of lichen planus, which causes inflammation and affects your skin cells and mucous membranes. Some people may refer to LPP as follicular lichen planus.
Lichen planopilaris can result in scarring hair loss, which is permanent. Here’s some good news: The condition is fairly rare, especially among men.
Want to learn more about LPP? Keep reading to find out more about the cause, symptoms and effective treatments.
What Exactly Is Lichen Planopilaris?
As previously mentioned LPP is a skin disease that leads to scarring hair loss.
There are actually three types of lichen planopilaris:
Classic Lichen Planopilaris: This skin disease is associated with inflammation of the hair follicles that leads to scarring and permanent hair loss.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: This form of LPP is identified by progressive hair loss that happens slowly and can cause scarring near the forehead. Occasionally, the eyebrows and eyelashes can be affected.
Lassueur Graham-Little Piccardi Syndrome: Most commonly affecting women, this type of LPP leads to patchy scarring hair loss, thinning hair in the armpit and groin area, and rough bumps around the hair follicles.
LPP mostly affects adult women between the ages of 40 and 60, though men can get it, too.
What Causes Lichen Planopilaris?
The exact cause of LPP is unknown. It is thought that it could be the result of an autoimmune issue.
The most commonly believed explanation is that white blood cells destroy skin and hair cells.
Generally, LPP is diagnosed via a physical examination and a microscopic look at a piece of tissue from the affected area taken through a punch biopsy.
What Are the Symptoms of Lichen Planopilaris?
As with any disorder or disease, different people may experience different symptoms of LPP.
These are the most common symptoms:
Patchy hair loss
Redness on the scalp
Scalp pain
Itchiness of the scalp
Lichen planopilaris most commonly presents as smooth, white patches, and there’s typically no hair in the patch area when on the scalp.
You may notice redness around the hair follicles around the edges of these bald patches.
Usually the areas of the scalp that are affected are either the front, sides or lower back (part of the head).
It’s official. Hims is a hit.
Bryan, 28
Verified review
Tony, 32
Verified review
Ryan, 29
Verified review
Parbhu, 28
Verified review
Michael, 33
Verified review
Jesse, 36
Verified review
Giovanny, 23
Verified review
Alexander, 32
Verified review
Brian, 48
Verified review
Al, 54
Verified review
Seth, 27
Verified review
Milton, 36
Verified review
Mike, 34
Verified review
Before/after images shared by customers who have purchased varying products, including prescription-based products. Customers were compensated for their testimonials. These customers’ results have not been independently verified. Individual results will vary.
What are Treatment Options for Lichen Planopilaris?
Ideally, you want to treat LPP as early as possible. Because hair loss is permanent with LPP, the earlier you begin treating it, the less potential hair loss you will face.
The goal of treatment is to stop hair loss and manage symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medication is often prescribed to patients with lichen planopilaris. If you are diagnosed with LPP, a healthcare professional may prescribe you one of the following:
Topical corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids
Corticosteroid injections
Anti-malarial medication like hydroxychloroquine
Retinoids
Minoxidil, a topical treatment, may also be prescribed by your healthcare provider to encourage hair growth in the unaffected hair follicles.
Though exactly how minoxidil works is unknown, it’s believed to work by stimulating the hair follicle to enter the anagen (growth) phase.
Minoxidil comes in two strengths: a 2% concentration and a 5% version. Neither version of minoxidil requires a prescription.
You can purchase a 5% minoxidil solution and a minoxidil foam version online.
Shop by treatment options
No matter the treatment plan, the best place to start is somewhere. Early action is the best hair loss prevention.
Hair Hybrids by Hims
The Combination Hair Loss Spray
From £25/month
This spray treatment combines two active ingredients used for treating hair loss and hair regrowth.
Important Safety Information
Hair Hybrids by Hims
The Combination Hair Loss Serum
From £25/month
This serum treatment combines two active ingredients used for treating hair loss and hair regrowth.
Important Safety Information
Generic Treatment
Finasteride & Minoxidil Combo Kit
From £27/month
This combo kit includes two treatments. The once-daily tablet is clinically proven to stop hair loss. The alcohol-free topical serum, applied twice daily, is used for hair regrowth.
Important Safety Information
Generic Treatment
Finasteride
From £18/month
This once-daily tablet is clinically proven to stop hair loss.
Important Safety Information
Hair Hybrids by Hims
Alcohol-free Minoxidil Serum
From £19/month
This alcohol-free topical serum, applied twice daily, is used for hair regrowth
Important Safety Information
Important safety information for Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray, Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Solution, Finasteride & Minoxidil, Finasteride, or Minoxidil.
Where to Start If LPP Happens to You
Lichen planopilaris is a scalp disease that can lead to scarring, which can cause permanent hair loss.
Along with hair loss, people who deal with LPP may also notice redness and itching.
For the most part, LPP is most commonly found in middle-aged women — but it is something men can get, too.
If you suspect you may have this type of follicular lichen planus, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible so that you may review hair loss treatment options. This will help you minimize patches of hair loss as much as possible.
Treatment of lichen planopilaris may include topical or oral corticosteroids, anti-malaria medications or retinoids.
A healthcare professional may also suggest using minoxidil to encourage hair growth in your healthy hair follicles.
Your best first step is to contact a healthcare professional and assess what’s causing your hair loss, along with the best treatment options for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.
