Skip to content
Conditions

Hair restoration · Hair-loss diagnosis and restoration

Lichen planopilaris

Understand immune inflammation of follicles that can cause permanent scarring hair loss.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Lichen planopilaris is an inflammatory disease in which an immune reaction destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue.

Possible symptoms

Patches of loss often come with itch, burning, pain or tenderness, with redness and scale around remaining hairs.

Causes and associated factors

The trigger is unknown; lymphocytes attack follicles through a non-contagious immune process.

Diagnosis

Examination looks for active edges and other signs of lichen planus; biopsy from an inflamed area usually confirms the diagnosis.

Tests

Dermoscopy guides the biopsy; additional tests depend on skin, mucosal or nail symptoms and the treatments being considered.

Course of the condition

Activity can continue for a long time and then stop, but hair lost from scarred areas does not usually regrow.

Care options

Topical, injected or systemic anti-inflammatory treatment aims to preserve living follicles; surgery or transplantation is considered only after several years of stability.

When to consult

Seek prompt assessment for painful or itchy patches, redness around follicles or skin becoming smooth.

Urgent help

Very rapid spread, severe pain, pustules, discharge or fever needs prompt evaluation.

Questions for your doctor

  • What is causing my hair loss?
  • Are the follicles still active or already scarred?
  • Which medical treatments should be tried or stabilised before a transplant?
  • Can my donor area support a realistic and lasting result?
  • Which scalp signs need prompt medical care?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

Our articles

Discover all Elysium Editions →

Sources