Alopecic Patches on the Extremities of a Young Man

February 2026 in “ JEADV Clinical Practice ”

Hamad El Hajj, Dima Jeha, Samer Ghosn, Hala Mégarbané

lichen planopilaris scarring alopecia perifollicular lichenoid inflammation fibrosis clobetasol propionate LPP topical steroid

TLDR Lichen planopilaris can cause hair loss on limbs, not just the scalp.

A 28-year-old man presented with a rare case of lichen planopilaris (LPP), manifesting as patchy scarring alopecia on the limbs without scalp involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical examination, dermoscopic findings, and histopathological analysis, which showed perifollicular lichenoid inflammation and fibrosis. The patient was treated with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% and scheduled for follow-up. This case underscores the importance of evaluating LPP beyond the scalp to guide treatment and research.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Lichen Planopilaris and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Review and Update of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Features

13 citations , April 2022 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

The document concludes that more research is needed to find effective treatments for Lichen planopilaris and Frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Graham-Little Piccardi Lassueur Syndrome and Review of the Literature

5 citations , September 2021 in “Clinical case reports”

GLPLS is a rare skin condition with specific hair loss and skin symptoms.

research Isolated Body Hair Loss: An Unusual Presentation of Lichen Planopilaris

6 citations , January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders”

A man with rare Lichen Planopilaris lost body hair, not scalp hair, and treatment stopped itching but didn't regrow hair.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 88 results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

nkrata in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Hair Loss & Lipids: Why you have sebderm, folliculitis, LPP, inflammation, etc...

in Research/Science 133 upvotes 1 year ago

Excess sebum rich in cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to hair loss through inflammation, with treatments like Ciclopirox shampoo, Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo, and Clindamycin gel recommended for managing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis. Pioglitazone is suggested for Lichen Planopilaris, while Omega-3s and reducing processed foods may improve sebum quality, though genetic factors play a significant role.

community I just want to say Ru58841 saved my life.

in Chat 27 upvotes 2 years ago

A user's experience with hair loss and scalp inflammation, which was alleviated by using RU58841 along with finasteride and dutasteride. A theory of inflammation possibly being a cause of hairloss is also discussed.

community A hill on which I will die: The DHT itch absolutely exists

in Research/Science 210 upvotes 1 year ago

The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.

community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

in Research/Science 52 upvotes 1 year ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

community Hair Loss “Cure” for Inflammation: Topical Roflumilast

in Research/Science 32 upvotes 2 months ago

Topical roflumilast is effective for reducing inflammation in various scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, but not proven to stop scarring alopecia. Alternatives like apremilast and Vtama are also discussed for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Pediatric Lichen Planopilaris: Clinicopathologic Study of Four New Cases and a Review of the Literature

16 citations , June 2015 in “Pediatric dermatology”

Lichen Planopilaris in teens is rare, often misdiagnosed, and responds well to steroids.

research Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

30 citations , January 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution is a hair loss condition often confused with other types, requiring early treatment but usually not resulting in significant hair regrowth.

research Diffuse Lichen Planopilaris Masquerading as Diffuse Alopecia Areata

March 2024 in “Case Reports in Dermatology”

A woman's hair loss was misdiagnosed as alopecia areata but was actually lichen planopilaris, needing immediate and ongoing treatment.

research British Hair and Nail Society Findings on Hair and Nail Disorders

1 citations , July 2016 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Men with a certain type of hair loss often use facial moisturizers, and a specific antibiotic treatment may help another hair condition.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Review

23 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia's cause is unclear, affects mainly postmenopausal women, and current treatments focus on stopping hair loss rather than regrowth.