What is lichen planopilaris(LPP)?
LPP is one of the clinical forms of lichen and is among the most common forms of primary scarring alopecia. It occurs most often in women and destroys the hair root. It also affects the skin, nails and mucous membranes. The causes of the disease are unknown.
FUE hair transplantation is considered the appropriate method to treat the receding area if the disease remains in remission for a long period of time.
What is the treatment of LPP?
The doctor in charge (dermatologist) will examine the patient and if he/she considers that he/she is suffering from scarring alopecia and not from other disease, he/she will propose a personalized treatment plan.
The therapeutic management of LPP and is a challenge for the modern dermatologist.
The treatment of scarring alopecia from LPP is done with the use of topical and systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, retinoids, hydroxychloroquine and finasteride. Retinoids are an alternative therapy to corticosteroids. In the early stages of the disease it is possible to save the hair follicles and to carry out hair re-growth. This is due to immediate treatment and the body’s response to reduce symptoms and stabilize the disease. Medication is recommended for early treatment of inflammation. The treatment lasts for several months and needs close monitoring by the dermatologist. It aims at remission of the disease, control of itching and growth of new hair in the affected areas.
In addition, in advanced lesions of the disease, intravenous injections of corticosteroids (cortisone) are given. The injections are given every two to three weeks. Treatment should only be carried out by a qualified dermatologist who has the appropriate training and experience.
Treatments for LPPinclude the PRP method, which involves the use of autologous plasma with platelet concentrate from the patient himself.
In difficult and irreversible cases and in cases of severe thinning of the scalp, the only definitive and effective solution is hair transplantation.