The 100 Most-Cited Publications in Lichen Planopilaris: A Bibliometric Analysis

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare scarring alopecia with poorly understood etiology, leading to challenges in both diagnosis and management. With an increasing number of studies focused on its clinical presentation, histopathology, and trichoscopic features, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of high-impact LPP research is necessary to assess current trends and identify gaps in the literature.

The objective of this study was to analyze trends in LPP research using the top 100 most-cited articles from Web of Science.

The average number of citations per article was 80.4 (range: 37-289), with publication dates ranging from 1990 to 2021. The most-cited article was Kossard's "Progressive Frontal Scarring Alopecia in Postmenopausal Women" with 289 citations. The USA (n = 47) had the most publications, followed by England (n = 18) and Spain (n = 14). Most articles were LOE 3 (n = 34) focusing on the "clinical and histopathological presentation" (n = 33). Key reported trichoscopic features included perifollicular erythema, perifollicular scaling, and loss of follicular ostia.

This bibliometric analysis highlights foundational LPP studies, emphasizing key trichoscopic features while revealing gaps in high-level evidence. It underscores the need for more rigorous research and expanded geographic diversity to enhance diagnostic markers, refine trichoscopic criteria, and improve therapeutic approaches.