Lichen Planopilaris in Skin of Color: A Case Report

Abstract

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is an uncommon inflammatory scalp disorder which presents with a cicatricial alopecia with characteristic perifollicular erythema and perifollicular scale at the margins of the areas of alopecia. Classic LPP is usually seen in women between the ages of 41 and 50, although men may also be affected. White patients are more commonly affected,1 and the disease is potentially underdiagnosed in individuals of color. This case highlights a patient who was previously diagnosed with traction alopecia who went on to develop LPP. It is important to keep LPP on the differential for cases of alopecia in skin of color as the treatment varies from other forms of alopecia. The goal of treatment is to delay or stop progression and improve symptoms for the patient.