A case-series of 29 patients with lichen planopilaris: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation experience on evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment

BackgroundLichen planopilaris results in scaling, atrophy, and permanent alopecia with scarring and is thought to be autoimmune in origin.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical findings of patients with LPP so as to aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of the disease and to review the current effective therapies.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 29 patients with LPP that were seen in the Department of Dermatology at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation between 1992 and 2003.ResultsGood responses in the active perimeter were seen with topical steroids, intralesional steroids, and tetracycline and in the inactive end-stage with hair transplants and scalp reductions.LimitationsThis study was limited by being retrospective in nature.ConclusionAlthough topical high-potency and intralesional corticosteroids remain the mainstay for treatment of LPP, the use of tetracycline in this disease may be more helpful than once thought.