Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTreatment GoalsDrug TreatmentsNondrug TreatmentsCauses and RiskResources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Treatment Goals
Drug Treatments
Nondrug Treatments
Causes and Risk
Resources
Lichenplanopilarisis an itchyskin rashthat affects your scalp. It is a rare follicular form oflichen planus, an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. These ailments occur because of a faulty immune response that causes your body to attack its own tissues.
Lichen planopilaris can affect the way you look and feel. Symptoms can include itching and burning. Patches of scarring can cause permanent hair loss in affected areas. The ailment can impact your mental health if it makes you feel anxious about how you look.
A cause and cure for this ailment does not exist. First-line treatment includes topical and/or oralcorticosteroids. Other drugs and treatments are also used.
This article describes lichen planopilaris symptoms, treatment, risk factors, and resources.
KoldoyChris / Getty Images.
Lichen Planopilaris vs. Lichen SclerosusLichen planopilaris andlichen sclerosusare both regarded as immune-related diseases that share many features. Both conditions can cause intense itchy areas on your skin. First-line treatment for both conditions involves the use of corticosteroids. These conditions differ in the areas they affect. While lichen planopilaris usually involves your scalp and hair, lichen sclerosus usually involves your genital and anal areas.
Lichen Planopilaris vs. Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen planopilaris andlichen sclerosusare both regarded as immune-related diseases that share many features. Both conditions can cause intense itchy areas on your skin. First-line treatment for both conditions involves the use of corticosteroids. These conditions differ in the areas they affect. While lichen planopilaris usually involves your scalp and hair, lichen sclerosus usually involves your genital and anal areas.
Symptoms of Lichen Planopilaris
Classic Lichen Planopilaris:Bald patches on your scalp
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia:
Lassueur-Graham-Little-Piccardi Syndrome:
The following general symptoms can occur in all types of lichen planopilaris:
Is Lichen Planopilaris the Same as Alopecia Areata?
Lichen planopilaris is a form of scarringalopeciathat destroys hair follicles, causing scarring and permanent hair loss. it usually occurs only in the affected patches of the scalp and/or surrounding area.
Goal of Lichen Planopilaris Treatment
A diagnosis of lichen planopilaris is made using the following procedures:
There is no cure for lichen planopilaris. If you receive a diagnosis of lichen planopilaris, your dermatologist may advise that treatment begin as soon as possible since early treatment can reduce your risk of hair loss. While some cases of lichen planopilaris may resolve independently, others progress rapidly and may take longer to resolve. It is also possible for the condition to recur after successful treatment.
The goal of lichen planopilaris treatment is to achieve the following:
Treatment for lichen planopilaris usually continues until the following is accomplished:
Lichen Planopilaris Drug Treatment
Lichen planopilaris drug treatment includes several options. Since the course of this condition is often prolonged, treatment often lasts from six to 12 months.
There is no gold standard for treating this condition. Many drugs used to treat lichen planopilaris are primarily intended for other conditions but have demonstrated effectiveness in treating this disease. These medications include the following:
Corticosteroid Shampoo for Lichen Planopilaris
Corticosteroids are frequently used in treating lichen planopilaris. In addition to topical, oral, and injectable treatments, steroids can be delivered via shampoo. Clobex (clobetasol proportionate) is a steroid shampoo used to treat lichen planopilaris. To achieve optimal results, it is important to follow the product’s steps, as follows:
Lichen Planopilaris Nondrug Treatment
Lichen planopilaris nondrug treatment involves using natural and over-the-counter therapies to help improve symptoms. Try these treatments to treat lichen planopilaris:
Avoiding the following products may help reduce symptoms of itching and irritation:
The 7 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, Tested and Approved
What Causes, Triggers, and Increases Lichen Planopilaris Risk?
There is no known cause or cure for lichen planopilaris. Research indicates that the disease may be animmune system disorder. Women and people between 40 and 60 years are most likely to develop this condition.
You have an increased risk of developing lichen planopilaris if you have any of the following factors that may trigger the condition:
Lichen Planopilaris Resources
Consult your healthcare provider for references to local organizations involved in lichen planopilaris. Online support is available from the following groups:
Summary
Lichen planopilaris is a skin disease that can lead to permanent patchy baldness. The ailment causes an itchy skin rash on your scalp. It can also affect your hairline, eyebrows, and eyelashes in some cases.
While this ailment has no known cause, research shows it may be linked to problems with your immune system. Treatments can’t cure this ailment but they can help treat symptoms like itching, burning, and inflammation. Treating symptoms is key to easing the emotional effects of this disease, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Getting emotional support is also an essential aspect of living with this ailment.
Most cases of lichen planopilaris clear within about a year, though the problem can recur. Hair replacement treatments may help you restore hair lost to this ailment.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anne Arundel Dermatology.Lichen planopilaris.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Frontal fibrosing alopecia.Pai VV, Kikkeri NN, Sori T.Dinesh U. Graham-little piccardi lassueur syndrome: an unusual variant of follicular lichen planus.Int J Trichology. 2011;3(1):28-30. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.82129Genetic and Rare Diseases Information and Center.Lichen planopilaris.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.DoveMed.Lichen planopilaris.Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).How is scarring alopecia treated?Plante J, Eason C, Snyder A, Elston D.Commentary: a stepwise approach to the treatment of lichen planopilaris.Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science. 2020;2(2).Singh V, Singh G, Pal M, Tandon K (2017)Treatment of Lichen Planus: A Comparative Study.J Tradit Med Clin Natur6:246.Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Clobex.Scarring Alopecia Foundation.Vitamin D levels in patients with scarring and non-scarring alopecia.Cictricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF).Cosmetic options for covering hair loss.National Institute of Mental Health.Chronic illness and mental health: recognizing and treating depression.Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).Common ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can make inflammation worse in lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).Assouly P, Reygagne P.Lichen planopilaris: update on diagnosis and treatment.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(1):3-10. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2008.12.006
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anne Arundel Dermatology.Lichen planopilaris.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Frontal fibrosing alopecia.Pai VV, Kikkeri NN, Sori T.Dinesh U. Graham-little piccardi lassueur syndrome: an unusual variant of follicular lichen planus.Int J Trichology. 2011;3(1):28-30. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.82129Genetic and Rare Diseases Information and Center.Lichen planopilaris.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.DoveMed.Lichen planopilaris.Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).How is scarring alopecia treated?Plante J, Eason C, Snyder A, Elston D.Commentary: a stepwise approach to the treatment of lichen planopilaris.Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science. 2020;2(2).Singh V, Singh G, Pal M, Tandon K (2017)Treatment of Lichen Planus: A Comparative Study.J Tradit Med Clin Natur6:246.Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Clobex.Scarring Alopecia Foundation.Vitamin D levels in patients with scarring and non-scarring alopecia.Cictricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF).Cosmetic options for covering hair loss.National Institute of Mental Health.Chronic illness and mental health: recognizing and treating depression.Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).Common ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can make inflammation worse in lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).Assouly P, Reygagne P.Lichen planopilaris: update on diagnosis and treatment.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(1):3-10. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2008.12.006
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Anne Arundel Dermatology.Lichen planopilaris.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Frontal fibrosing alopecia.Pai VV, Kikkeri NN, Sori T.Dinesh U. Graham-little piccardi lassueur syndrome: an unusual variant of follicular lichen planus.Int J Trichology. 2011;3(1):28-30. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.82129Genetic and Rare Diseases Information and Center.Lichen planopilaris.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.DoveMed.Lichen planopilaris.Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).How is scarring alopecia treated?Plante J, Eason C, Snyder A, Elston D.Commentary: a stepwise approach to the treatment of lichen planopilaris.Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science. 2020;2(2).Singh V, Singh G, Pal M, Tandon K (2017)Treatment of Lichen Planus: A Comparative Study.J Tradit Med Clin Natur6:246.Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Clobex.Scarring Alopecia Foundation.Vitamin D levels in patients with scarring and non-scarring alopecia.Cictricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF).Cosmetic options for covering hair loss.National Institute of Mental Health.Chronic illness and mental health: recognizing and treating depression.Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).Common ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can make inflammation worse in lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).Assouly P, Reygagne P.Lichen planopilaris: update on diagnosis and treatment.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(1):3-10. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2008.12.006
Anne Arundel Dermatology.Lichen planopilaris.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Frontal fibrosing alopecia.
Pai VV, Kikkeri NN, Sori T.Dinesh U. Graham-little piccardi lassueur syndrome: an unusual variant of follicular lichen planus.Int J Trichology. 2011;3(1):28-30. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.82129
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information and Center.Lichen planopilaris.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.
DoveMed.Lichen planopilaris.
Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).How is scarring alopecia treated?
Plante J, Eason C, Snyder A, Elston D.Commentary: a stepwise approach to the treatment of lichen planopilaris.Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science. 2020;2(2).
Singh V, Singh G, Pal M, Tandon K (2017)Treatment of Lichen Planus: A Comparative Study.J Tradit Med Clin Natur6:246.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Clobex.
Scarring Alopecia Foundation.Vitamin D levels in patients with scarring and non-scarring alopecia.
Cictricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF).Cosmetic options for covering hair loss.
National Institute of Mental Health.Chronic illness and mental health: recognizing and treating depression.
Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF).Common ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can make inflammation worse in lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).
Assouly P, Reygagne P.Lichen planopilaris: update on diagnosis and treatment.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(1):3-10. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2008.12.006
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
