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- Presentation
Pearls in the Management of Lichen Planopilaris, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Description
In a presentation on effective management strategies for Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA), and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), Dr. Marian Senna shared valuable insights from her extensive experience treating hair loss patients, particularly those with scarring alopecia. She emphasized the importance of tracking clinical features such as inflammation and symptoms throughout treatment, advocating for meticulous note-taking and measurement to assess patient progress. Visual documentation through consistent photography was highlighted as crucial for helping patients visually understand their conditions and treatment efficacy. Dr. Senna discussed treatment protocols, including the cautious use of topical and intralesional steroids to avoid complications like scalp atrophy, and underlined the significance of avoiding potentially harmful ingredients in personal care products. Lab evaluations, including checks on ferritin and blood glucose levels, are critical to identifying underlying issues that impact treatment responses. She detailed various therapeutic options, from topicals like hydroxychloroquine and gabapentin for itch relief to advanced interventions like oral tofacitinib for severe cases, noting the necessity for a tailored approach for each individual. The session concluded with an emphasis on patient education regarding allergens and product ingredients, with references to supportive resources such as the Scarring Alopecia Foundation for ongoing patient engagement.
View moreConclusions
- Effective management of scarring alopecias like Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA), and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) requires careful tracking of clinical features over time.
- Standardized grading of scalp symptoms and inflammation can guide treatment adjustments.
- Photographic documentation aids in assessing treatment progress and patient reassurance.
- Iron levels, hormone assessments, and blood sugar control are crucial in managing hair loss conditions effectively.
- Potential allergens in hair care products should be avoided, as they may exacerbate inflammation.
- Topical anti-inflammatories should be used judiciously, with caution against high potency steroids due to the risk of atrophy.
- Hydroxychloroquine and pulse steroids may stabilize or improve symptoms in patients with LPP and CCCA.
- Topical JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib show promising results as adjunct therapies in recalcitrant cases.
- Avoidance of traction-inducing hairstyles is important in patients with CCCA to prevent exacerbation.
- Education on personal care products and their potential effects on hair and scalp health is essential for patient management.
- Andrew G. Messenger, MD. Frontal fibrosing alopecia was first described by Kossard in 1994 in six postmenopausal women. British Journal of Dermatology (2016) 175, pp762-767.
- JAMA Internal Medicine, 2017. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.2762.
- James T Pathoulas et al. A prospective pilot study of narrowband UV-B treatment of lichen planopilaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Sep;87(3):703-705. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.04.054. Epub 2022 May 6.
- Walker CJ, Pathoulas JT, Flanagan E, Pupo-Wiss I, et al. Allergenic Characterization of Best-Selling Hair Products Marketed to Black Women. Dermatitis 2022 Jan-Feb 01:33(1):e7-e9.
- Tiaranesha Jackson, MPH et al. Treatment for Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia - Delphi Consensus Recommendations. Published: February 08, 2024 . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.073.