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.

healthcare provider looking at someone’s scalp.

KoldoyChris / Getty Images

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.

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

Symptoms of lichen planopilaris can vary by individual.

They can differ depending on where they appear on your body.

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.

Alopecia areatacan occur anywhere in an area of hair-bearing skin and often involves the scalp and beard.

It causes discrete circular patches of hair loss but total hair loss may uncommonly occur as well.

A diagnosis of lichen planopilaris is made using the following procedures:

There is no cure for lichen planopilaris.

While some cases of lichen planopilaris may resolve independently, others progress rapidly and may take longer.

It is also possible for the condition to recur after successful treatment.

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.

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.

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.

Search online for podcasts and blogs that discuss strategies for coping and treatment.

Consult your healthcare provider for references to local organizations involved in lichen planopilaris.

The ailment causes an itchy skin rash on your scalp.

It can also affect your hairline, eyebrows, and eyelashes in some cases.

Treatments can’t cure this ailment but they can help treat symptoms like itching, burning, and inflammation.

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.

Anne Arundel Dermatology.Lichen planopilaris.

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Frontal fibrosing alopecia.

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.

Scarring Alopecia Foundation.Lichen planopilaris.

2020;2(2).

Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Clobex.

Scarring Alopecia Foundation.Vitamin D levels in patients with scarring and non-scarring alopecia.

National Institute of Mental Health.Chronic illness and mental health: recognizing and treating depression.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss types central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia self-care.

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