Lichen planopilaris

The disease manifests in adulthood (40-60 years of age), with some rare cases in childhood. Patients present with peri-follicular inflammation and hair loss. They may be asymptomatic or have itch or discomfort. The scalp is the commonest area affected but any hair bearing skin may be affected, like for example the axillae or the pubic area. Perifollicular erythema, scales, and/or keratotic plugs are seen at the edge of the affected area. Single or multiple lesions of scarring alopecia lacking follicular orifices are typical. Two other variants of LPP can be observed: frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), and Lassueur-Graham-Little syndrome (see these terms). In FFA, there is symmetrical, progressive anterior hairline loss of the scalp associated with eyebrow loss. The Lassueur-Graham-Little syndrome constitutes a combination of lichen planus follicularis of the scalp with follicular keratosis and noncicatricial alopecia of the axillae and pubes.