Trichoscopy as an Additional Diagnostic Tool for Monitoring of Lichen planopilaris

Abstract

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory disorder selectively involving hair follicles and leading to scarring alopecia. This disease is clinically characterised by follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular erythema and permanent hair loss mainly on the scalp. A 34-year-old woman was admitted with hair loss and itching of the scalp. Based on clinical symptoms, trichoscopy and histological findings we diagnosed classic LPP. The patient was treated with topical corticosteroids, but this therapy was ineffective. The remission of the disease was achieved after 2 months treatment with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily. Trichoscopy can be used as an additional LPP diagnostic tool for the monitoring of inflammation associated with this disease.

Zusammenfassung

Der Lichen planopilaris (LPP) ist eine entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die vorwiegend die Haarwurzeln betrifft, lokalisiert am behaarten Kopf, und führt zur vernarbender Alopezie. Der LPP ist charakterisiert durch einen progessiven Haarausfall, ein perifollikuläres Erythem und Hyperkeratose. Eine 34-jährige Frau stellte sich mit den Beschwerden Haarausfall und Jucken am behaartem Kopf vor. Gemäß der klinischen Symptome, der trichoskopischen und histologischen Untersuchung wurde eine klassische Form des LPP diagnostiziert. Die topische Steroidtherapie zeigte kein Ansprechen. Eine Verbesserung des Krankheitsverlaufs wurde nach der 2-monatigen Behandlung mit Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg 2-mal pro Tag erreicht. Die Trichoskopie wurde als hilfreiche Diagnostik für den Verlauf der Entzündung eingesetzt.

• References

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