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A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Classic Lichen Planopilaris

  • Therapy in Practice
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Abstract

Lichen planopilaris is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia that commonly presents with hair loss at the vertex or parietal scalp. Patients may also have associated scalp itching, burning or tenderness. Due to scarring, hair loss is typically permanent. The main goals of treatment are reducing symptoms and preventing disease progression and further hair loss. Currently, the literature has limited evidence on treatments for this difficult condition, and most available evidence is from case reports and case series. Furthermore, the evidence shows a varied response to therapy, with frequent reports of poor response. This article reviews the diagnosis of this rare disease, summarize the currently available treatments, and provide insights and practices from alopecia experts.

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Author notes

  1. Katerina Svigos and Lu Yin contributed equally to this manuscript.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Katerina Svigos, Lu Yin, Lauren Fried, Kristen Lo Sicco & Jerry Shapiro

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  1. Katerina Svigos
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  2. Lu Yin
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  3. Lauren Fried
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  4. Kristen Lo Sicco
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  5. Jerry Shapiro
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Correspondence to Jerry Shapiro.

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Jerry Shapiro is an investigator for RegenLab, a stockholder in Replicel, a consultant for Pfizer, and a consultant for Lilly. Kristen Lo Sicco is an investigator for RegenLab, an investigator for Pfizer, and the recipient of a Pfizer educational grant. Katerina Svigos, Lu Yin, and Lauren Fried have no disclosures to declare.

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Svigos, K., Yin, L., Fried, L. et al. A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Classic Lichen Planopilaris. Am J Clin Dermatol 22, 681–692 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00630-7

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