Pseudopelade: an inherited alopecia

Pseudopelade is a rare idiopathic progressive alopecia that has no initial inflammatory phase. Even so, pseudopelade has been classified as scarring alopecia with postinflammatory alopecias. Atrophy rather than true scarring is the cardinal feature of pseudopelade.

A review of reported cases of pseudopelade, especially those with a family history, was undertaken. The discovery of a young man and his mother, who had pseudopelade, plus two other familial cases prompted this study.

Examination of the clinical and pathologic material shows pseudopelade to be a disease separate from other alopecias. The striking familial association in these cases demonstrates a plausible etiology.

Pseudopelade is an autosomal dominant disorder of the scalp marked by atrophic loss of hair follicles.