Recently Diagnosed with Lichen Planopilaris (scalp)

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Hello all.  I'm a 30 year old male hoping to gain some valuable knowledge and insight from this community, as it's been a major struggle dealing with this disorder.

I've been fighting with the following symptons on my scalp for ~2 years now: red, inflammed skin, no flakes or scales, mild itching but nothing terrible, and noticeable hairloss in the affected areas. The areas affected are my frontal third, two thirds, crown and also my right side above my ear. There are still areas of my scalp that are unaffected and retain a proper neutral color. I previoulsy have never had this issue on my scalp before and there are no signs of it anywhere else on my body. 

After visiting 3 different dermatologist, I finally had a scalp biopsy performed.  The results were that I had lichen planopilaris of the scalp. My previous two dermatologist were treating it as possibly seborrheic dermatitis.  I never quire agreed with this though as I did not have the typical signs of SD: dandruff, flakes, scale, etc--just persistent redness and inflammation.  Even so, I tried every known dandruff shampoo and active ingredient available on the market to no avail. In fact, these generally just exacerbated the condition.

So far I'm been put on the following meds:

--Minocycline (bacterial)

--Clobetasol (corticosteroid)

--Fluconazole (Fungal)

--and my most recent derm wants me to start on immunusuppresants CellCept and Plaquenil

In terms of natural remedies, I've tried applying pure aloe veral gel, coconut oil, avocado oil, apple cidar vinegar...None of these really have done anything for me, sadly.

The Clobetasol topical liquid does midly help.  It seems to improve the areas least affected and brings my skin tone back to almost normalcy, but has little affect on the more pronounced zones. I also have reservations on being stuck using a steroid for my entire life for two reasons: 1. it's detrimental to the skin (thinning). 2. It's not treating the cause but seemingly only the symptom.

As of right now, I'm working on making some dietary changes (no dairy) and more of a "paleo diet" regemin. 

I have not yet tried the immunos as I've very hesitant to go down that route. My current derm states I need a baseline eye exam before starting up on these drugs.  Quite intimidating.  

I've heard a number of people report very good progress from holistic methods, such as Oriental medicine coupled with acupunture.  Wondering if anyone can comment on this?

I'm very much so at an impasse with this skin disorder. It has come out of nowhere and totally taken control of my scalp's health, and, well, my entire life to a large degree. It's extremely draining and does not allow you to focus on other parts of your day-to-day living; Instead, you're looking for "the next treatment of the week to try out on your scalp" hoping that you can finally get some relief.  

Thank you to those who read my post and looked at my photos attached.  I value any input user's here might provide to help me fight this terrible skin disease off.

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  • Posted

    Lichen Planapilaris is a “rare” autoimmune condition affecting only the scalp. There is no cure.  As it was explained to me, it attacks scalp hair follicles and kills them. I learned a heat deal by visiting the National  Institute of Health web site.  Also, my dermatologist did a biopsy on the first visit. My dermatologist treats patients with LPP.  She injects the postures on my scalp once a month.  I also was given a prescription medication in lotion form.  I do see a decrease in the postures on the front of my scalp.  I was told there is no cure at this time.  The most important thing to do is go to an informed dermatologist with the most up to date information and treatments.  Feel better. 
    • Posted

      Did your dermatologist say that your hair will grow back? I was just diagnosed with LPP a few days ago and was given Clobetasol (topical treatment) to use for 1.5 months. If that doesn’t work then my dermatologist wants to do injections. He told me I’m in early stage as confirmed by a biopsy and he told me my hair will grow back. I’m reading lots of articles saying that hair loss is permanent? 
    • Posted

      Hi Ashley, I have some some regrowth, but there is no guarantee.  The area in the front part of my scalp seems to have gotten smaller. I also get cortisone injections every six months.  I also started using Biotin shampoo by a company called Honeydew”.   The cortisone cream helps.  Does your doctor keep photos of your affected area. She sees progress. 
    • Posted

      There is a typo.  I meant to tell you that I get injections every six weeks.  
    • Posted

      I’ve heard mixed things about the cortisone cream. Some say it works, some say it doesn’t. He hasn’t mentioned anything about taking photos. That is a great idea though. 
    • Posted

      Clobetasol is a cortisone cream which you mentioned in your post.  It is used for skin conditions.  I was prescribed Betamethasone, which is same category of drug.  I think it helps.  The shots help too.  I hope you try the Biotin shampoo manufactured by Honeydew.  My sister uses it too.  A history in photos is great.  I take selfies of the area once a week.  
    • Posted

      Happily, I have had some hair regrowth. And, I see the area shrinking in size. However, it can come back at anytime.  
    • Posted

      I’m happy to hear that! I’m 25 and losing my hair has been quite depressing. My dermatologist is confident that it will grow back. I will have to take photos to keep a record! Great idea 
    • Posted

      HI IM A MALE 55 just found out through biopsy that i have this in its early stages hair thinning but not too bad yet started on HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE YESTERDAY AND GONNA DO THE SHOTS starting next week i had such a head of hair ao you feel like the shots really help?

      THANK YOU! im a little freaked out

    • Posted

      how is your treatment going? gas it stopped the hair follicles from dying?

    • Posted

      The shots help a little and the betamethasone lotion helps but it is an incurable condition

    • Posted

      The shots help a little and the betamethasone lotion helps but it is an incurable condition

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