Lichen planopilaris is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and patchy hair loss on the scalp. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to become inflamed and scarred. This disrupts the hair growth cycle and leads to hair falling out in small patches.
The condition usually affects middle-aged women between the ages of 30 and 60, though it can also occur in men. It is considered a rare disorder, accounting for about 3-6% of hair loss cases.
With lichen planopilaris, the patches of hair loss are often accompanied by inflammation, scaling, redness, and itching of the scalp skin. As the condition progresses, the hair loss tends to spread and merge into larger bald patches. Without treatment, lichen planopilaris can lead to permanent scarring alopecia or baldness.
The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests it is likely an autoimmune response triggered by various factors like stress, medications, or a viral infection. There may also be a genetic predisposition. The immune system attacks the hair follicle as if it were a foreign substance, leading to an inflammatory reaction.
Early diagnosis and treatment is key to halting progression of lichen planopilaris and preventing permanent hair loss. Seeing a dermatologist for evaluation of symptoms is recommended.
Homeopathy Treatment for Lichen Planopilaris at Welling Homeopathy
For those suffering due to Lichen Planopilaris, Welling Homeopathy offers our specially formulated Homeopathy treatment for Lichen Planus. This treatment has been tried over the last 20 years and aims to cure Lichen Planopilaris in approximately 18 to 20 months.
Here’s what sets Welling Homeopathy apart:
Experienced Homeopathic Specialists: Our in-house doctors are skilled in diagnosing and treating Lichen Planopilaris completely. The treatment for Lichen Planus requires deep understanding of the disease, and our specialists have the necessary experience to provide effective care.
Extensive Research: Our treatment protocol has been developed after exhaustive in-house research. We consult with over 8400 patients globally with Lichen Planus each year, giving you the opportunity to benefit from our expertise.
Specially Formulated Welling Homeopathy: Our custom-made homeopathy medicines for Lichen Planus, including Lichen Planopilaris, have helped over 53,250 patients since we began our practice.
Painless and Effective Recovery: Our treatment involves no steroidal applications, creams, or oils, instead focusing on providing natural homeopathy medicines customized for you to ensure a speedy recovery.
Duration of Cure: In general, a complete cure can be achieved within 12 to 18 months, though individual treatment durations may vary.
Welling Homeopathy’s treatment for Lichen Planopilaris is not only the fastest but also the safest method to achieve permanent relief from lichen planus symptoms.
How the Procedure Works
To begin the treatment process, our specialists will conduct a detailed evaluation to understand your unique condition and determine the appropriate homeopathic treatment for Lichen Planopilaris. This involves:
Detailed personal history: This information helps us create a tailored treatment plan.
Symptomatic analysis: This allows us to understand the course of the disease and its implications.
Treatment initiation: Our specialists implement the evolved protocol for treatment to provide long-term relief and a gradual permanent cure.
Once the evaluation is complete, our specialists will customize homeopathy medicines for your Lichen Planopilaris treatment based on the detailed analysis and review of your past treatments and medications.
About Welling Homeopathy
Welling Homeopathy is a global leader in providing specialized homeopathic treatment with award-winning homeopathy doctors working towards helping you achieve a healthier life. With our 81-year-old homeopathy legacy, we have served patients in over 108 countries, providing pain-free recovery options.
Place your trust in Welling Homeopathy, and let us help you recover faster and live a pain-free, happier, and healthier life. Schedule a detailed consultation by booking an appointment or consult and order online.
Contact us at +91 8080 850 950 today to begin your personalized Homeopathy treatment for Lichen Planopilaris.
Symptoms of lichen planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris causes several distinct symptoms on the scalp. The most common symptoms include:
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Itchy, burning scalp: Lichen planopilaris frequently causes itchiness and burning sensations on the scalp. This is often one of the first symptoms noticed by people with the condition. The itching and burning can range from mild to severe.
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Redness and scaling on the scalp: Areas affected by lichen planopilaris typically develop patches of redness and flaking on the scalp. These patches often look scaly and can appear slightly raised or bumpy.
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Patchy hair loss: Over time, the inflamed areas on the scalp can lead to permanent hair loss. The hair loss often occurs in patchy patterns, with smooth patches of complete baldness. The hair loss starts gradually but can worsen over time.
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Short broken hairs: Before the hair falls out completely, the affected follicles may start producing short, broken hairs. This leaves a stubbly texture in areas of the scalp impacted by lichen planopilaris. The broken hairs are a sign of ongoing damage to the hair follicles.
Noticing any of these symptoms on the scalp, especially itching paired with scaling or patchy hair loss, can be a sign of lichen planopilaris. Bringing these skin changes to the attention of a dermatologist is important for getting an accurate diagnosis and starting proper treatment. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of stopping hair loss.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of lichen planopilaris is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing inflammation and scarring that prevents hair growth.
While anyone can develop lichen planopilaris, some factors that may increase risk include:
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Sex – Women are more likely to develop lichen planopilaris than men. Approximately 70-80% of cases occur in women.
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Age – Lichen planopilaris typically affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60. It is uncommon in children.
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Family history – Having a family member with lichen planopilaris may increase risk.
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Other autoimmune conditions – People with other autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata seem to have a higher risk.
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Stress – While not a direct cause, stress may potentially trigger flares or worsen symptoms in some cases. Managing stress is often recommended.
The immune system imbalance that leads to the attack on hair follicles is not fully understood. Research is ongoing to better determine the mechanisms involved in lichen planopilaris.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of lichen planopilaris is usually based on examination of the scalp and clinical history. A dermatologist will look for some key signs:
- Patches of hair loss, often around the temples and crown of the head
- Visible inflammation, redness, scaling of the scalp
- Short broken hairs called “exclamation point hairs” that are wider at the base
They will also ask about symptoms and when they began. Understanding the progression of hair loss and scales/rash can aid diagnosis.
To confirm lichen planopilaris, a scalp biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small sample of skin from the affected area and examining it under a microscope. The dermatologist will look for some classic signs of lichen planopilaris:
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Lymphocytic inflammation around the hair follicles
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Keratin plugs within the hair follicles
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Scarring and fibrosis – permanent damage to the hair follicles
The combination of clinical examination and scalp biopsy can definitively diagnose lichen planopilaris.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options that can help manage lichen planopilaris and its symptoms. The main goals are to reduce inflammation, stop hair loss progression, and stimulate hair regrowth.
Corticosteroid creams and shampoos
Applying topical corticosteroid medications is typically the first line of treatment. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, which is a main driver of the hair follicle damage in lichen planopilaris.
Potent to super-potent corticosteroid creams, lotions, foams, and shampoos may be prescribed. Using the medication on the affected areas of the scalp as directed helps decrease inflammation, irritation, and hair loss.
Results are often seen within a few weeks. Continued use is necessary to maintain improvements. Side effects may include skin irritation and thinning.
Immunosuppressant medications
If topical corticosteroids are not effective, oral immunosuppressants may be prescribed. Medications like cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and methotrexate work by suppressing the immune system activity causing the inflammatory attack on hair follicles.
This helps stabilize hair loss, although regrowth is limited. There are more potential side effects with systemic drugs, so close monitoring is required.
Hair transplant surgery
For those with permanent bald spots from advanced lichen planopilaris, hair transplantation may be an option. Healthy hair follicles are harvested from the back of the scalp and implanted into the damaged areas.
Multiple procedures are usually needed for full coverage. Transplants are generally more successful after the disease process has stabilized. Combining medical treatment and surgery can help restore hair in refractory cases.
Overview of shampoos for lichen planopilaris
Medicated shampoos can be an important part of managing lichen planopilaris. They are used to help reduce scaling, redness, and inflammation of the scalp caused by the condition.
The active ingredients in shampoos for lichen planopilaris work in different ways to control symptoms. Common active ingredients include:
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Corticosteroids – These help decrease inflammation and immune system activity. Examples are clobetasol, betamethasone, and fluocinolone.
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Salicylic acid – This ingredient helps loosen and shed built-up scale and flakes from the scalp. It acts as a keratolytic agent.
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Selenium sulfide – This has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce scaling and may also decrease inflammation.
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Ketoconazole – This antifungal medication reduces fungus on the scalp that can worsen inflammation and flaking.
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Coal tar – Derived from coal, coal tar has anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and anti-scaling effects. It helps slow excess skin cell growth.
Some medicated shampoos for lichen planopilaris contain a combination of these active ingredients to provide multiple benefits. Using a specialized shampoo can make a significant difference in controlling irritating and uncomfortable symptoms.
Ingredients to look for
When looking for a shampoo to help treat lichen planopilaris, there are certain key ingredients that can provide relief from symptoms and help manage the condition.
Corticosteroids are one of the most important ingredients to look out for. Corticosteroids like clobetasol and fluocinonide have powerful anti-inflammatory effects which can help reduce the swelling, irritation, and inflammation caused by lichen planopilaris. Using a shampoo containing corticosteroids can calm an angry scalp and provide much needed relief from itching and burning.
Salicylic acid is another key ingredient found in many medicated shampoos for lichen planopilaris. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, meaning it helps soften and loosen the scale that builds up on the scalp. By dissolving the scale, salicylic acid enables the shampoo to better penetrate the skin and helps restore a smoother, less irritated scalp surface.
Some shampoos also contain ingredients like ketoconazole, which has anti-fungal properties that can reduce any overgrowth of yeast or fungus, and selenium sulfide, which helps slough off excess scale on the scalp. Using a shampoo with a combination of these ingredients can provide a multi-pronged approach to managing the symptoms of lichen planopilaris.
When comparing shampoos, look closely at the concentration and types of key active ingredients. A shampoo with 2% ketoconazole may be more effective than one with only 1% concentration, for example. Consulting with your dermatologist on the best medicated shampoo for your individual case of lichen planopilaris is recommended. With the right ingredients, a medicated shampoo can provide much needed relief.
How to Use Medicated Shampoos
Using medicated shampoos properly is important to get the full benefits for treating lichen planopilaris. Here are some tips:
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Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly before applying the medicated shampoo. Make sure to lather the shampoo over the entire affected area.
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Leave the shampoo on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing to allow the active ingredients time to work. Some shampoos may recommend leaving on longer.
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Use the medicated shampoo 2-3 times per week or as directed by your dermatologist. Using them too frequently can lead to irritation.
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Rotate between different medicated shampoos for the best results. This helps prevent the scalp from developing a resistance to a single product. Ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and coal tar shampoos are commonly rotated.
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Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly after the recommended time. Make sure no residues remain that could further irritate the scalp.
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Follow up with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out the scalp.
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Monitor your scalp closely when starting a new shampoo. Discontinue use if increased irritation or side effects occur.
Following the proper usage instructions for medicated shampoos can help maximize their effectiveness against lichen planopilaris while reducing the risk of side effects. Consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Tips for managing lichen planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris can be difficult to manage, but there are some tips that may help provide relief.
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See a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis through a scalp biopsy and blood work. They may prescribe topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and help regrow hair. Getting proper treatment early is key to halting progression.
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Use medicated shampoos as directed along with any other medications. It’s important to use prescription shampoos consistently to treat the inflammation and manage symptoms. Let the shampoo sit on the scalp for 5-10 minutes before rinsing to allow the active ingredients to absorb.
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Try not to scratch or pick at the scalp. Lichen planopilaris often causes itchiness and scaling on the scalp. Scratching can damage hair follicles and lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
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Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques, exercise, or speaking with a therapist. Stress may exacerbate symptoms for some patients. Reducing stress can help minimize flares.
Following dermatologist recommendations and being gentle with the scalp are key to coping with this condition. With proper treatment, many people are able to regrow hair and experience periods of remission.
Outlook and Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent lichen planopilaris. The exact cause is still unknown, so prevention is difficult. However, with proper treatment, symptoms can often be managed long-term.
The key is early diagnosis and treatment. Catching lichen planopilaris early and starting treatment right away gives the best chance of preventing permanent hair loss. That’s why it’s critical to see a dermatologist at the first sign of symptoms.
While some hair loss is likely with lichen planopilaris, treatment helps slow or stop progression of the condition. Many cases plateau after initial hair loss. With continued treatment, people can manage symptoms and regain quality of life.
There is hope, even if lichen planopilaris cannot be cured. Consistent care and compliance with treatment is key. Work closely with your dermatologist to find the right treatment regimen for you. Address challenges like scalp itching to make management easier. While lichen planopilaris impacts daily life, proper treatment and symptom control can minimize its effects.
Contact us at +91 8080 850 950 today to begin your personalized Homeopathy treatment for Lichen Planopilaris.
