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Frontal fibrosing alopecia.
Maria Cristina Fiorucci1, Emmanuel Cozzani, Aurora Parodi
1DiSEM, Section of Dermatology, University of Genoa Viale Benedetto XV, 7, Italy.
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|April 16, 2003
Summary
Frontal fibrosing alopecia, a form of scarring hair loss, is reported in two postmenopausal women. Histology suggests it is a localized variant of lichen planopilaris.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
- Pathology
Background:
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia.
- It primarily affects postmenopausal women.
- FFA presents as a progressive band-like loss of hair along the frontal hairline.
Observation:
- Two cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia in postmenopausal women are presented.
- Neither patient exhibited multifocal lesions typical of lichen planopilaris or lichen planus.
- Both patients displayed progressive marginal alopecia.
Findings:
- Scalp biopsies revealed perifollicular fibrosis and lymphocytic inflammation at the frontal hair margin.
- Histological findings were indistinguishable from lichen planopilaris.
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia is proposed as a distinct variant of lichen planopilaris.
Implications:
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia may represent a localized manifestation of lichen planopilaris.
- Understanding FFA's relationship to lichen planopilaris aids in diagnosis and management.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific pathogenesis and treatment of FFA.