Hair dermatology · São Mateus, Espírito Santo

Lichen planopilaris explained

Lichen planopilaris is an inflammatory scarring alopecia. Burning, itch, pain, scale and progressive patches should be examined by a dermatologist.

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Educational illustration of the scalp and hair cycleAbstract representation of hair follicles used for patient education.hair cycleindividual assessmentEducational illustration; not a clinical diagnosis.
Educational representation. The cause of hair loss requires medical assessment.
Illustrative human image of líquen plano pilar; not a real patient.
Illustrative human image generated for educational use; not a real patient and not a diagnosis.

Dermatology care

Hair loss deserves diagnosis, not random trial and error

Active areas may show redness and scale around hairs; established areas become smoother and show fewer follicular openings.

  • Trichoscopy and examination may suggest the diagnosis. A scalp biopsy is often considered to confirm the disease and assess activity.
  • A clear care plan with follow-up of symptoms and density.
  • Care for patients in São Mateus and the Northern Espírito Santo region.
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Important: this page is educational and does not replace a consultation, diagnosis or prescription.

Possible presentation

Signs that deserve attention

Possible signs

  • irregular patches
  • itch, burning or pain
  • scale around hairs
  • smooth areas with fewer follicular openings

What may be involved

It is an immune-mediated inflammation of the follicle. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious.

Appearance alone cannot confirm the type of alopecia. Pattern, timing and symptoms change the investigation.

Evaluation

How diagnosis is built

1

Medical history

Onset, speed, triggers, illness, medicines, styling habits and family history are reviewed.

2

Examination and trichoscopy

Trichoscopy and examination may suggest the diagnosis. A scalp biopsy is often considered to confirm the disease and assess activity.

3

Individual plan

The type and activity of alopecia, together with general health, determine whether tests, biopsy, treatment or monitoring are appropriate.

Care

Treatment depends on the cause

The goal is to reduce inflammation and prevent new scarring. Local, injected or systemic therapies may be prescribed with follow-up.

Address the origin

Correct or control an identifiable trigger whenever possible.

Protect follicles

Reduce inflammation, traction or progression to protect viable follicles.

Follow progress

Compare symptoms, photographs and density over time without promising the same result for everyone.

When to seek an earlier assessment

Persistent pain, burning, scale, perifollicular redness or enlarging patches should be assessed promptly.

FAQ · common questions

Questions about lichen planopilaris

01Is lichen planopilaris reversible?

Active inflammation may be controlled, but a follicle destroyed by scarring generally cannot produce hair again.

02Is it the same as dandruff?

No. Scale with hair loss and symptoms has many possible causes and needs examination.

03Can it affect eyebrows?

Some related scarring alopecias can involve eyebrows; examination defines the extent.

04Does a biopsy leave a scar?

It is planned in a small area and risks are explained. The indication depends on diagnostic need.

05Can natural products control inflammation?

Efficacy is not guaranteed and irritation is possible. Avoid applying untested substances to an inflamed scalp.

References

Information based on medical sources

  1. DermNet – Lichen planopilaris
  2. Brazilian Society of Dermatology
  3. American Academy of Dermatology Association – Hair loss

Educational content reviewed for patient communication. It does not replace a medical consultation, diagnosis or prescription.