Cicatricial alopecia as a manifestation of different dermatoses

There are numerous dermatoses which may cause cicatricial alopecia when localized on the scalp, such as chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), lichen planus, graft-versus-host disease, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, cicatricial pemphigoid, porphyria cutanea tarda, follicular mucinosis, perifolliculitis capitis abscedens, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, necrobiosis lipoidica, sarcoidosis, etc. Histologically, cicatricial alopecia is characterized by dermal scarring, along with absent or reduced hair follicles and reduced number of erector pili muscles. According to working classification of cicatricial alopecia by the North American Hair Society, primary cicatricial alopecia may be divided into the following categories: lymphocytic group (e.g., DLE, lichen planopilaris, classic pseudopelade (Brocq), central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia); neutrophilic group (e.g., folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis); and mixed group (e.g., folliculitis keloidalis). Over a 5-year period, 36 patients with cicatricial alopecia were hospitalized at our Department: DLE (n = 27), pseudopelade Brocq (n = 3), mucinosis follicularis (n = 2), and lichen planopilaris, folliculitis decalvans, folliculitis abscedens and folliculitis keloidalis (one patient each). Clinical evaluation was compared with histopathologic analysis of follicular architecture, as well as with the type, localization and extent of inflammatory infiltrate. Scalp biopsy was considered mandatory in all cases. Our experience indicates the need of more complex research to extend the knowledge about the etiopathogenesis and treatment options for cicatricial alopecia. We hope that this type of alopecia may attract more attention and research in the future.