LICHEN PLANUS HAIR LOSS

The exact cause of lichen planus is not known, but it may have a significant autoimmune component as it is most frequently observed in individuals who have other organ specific autoimmune diseases. it is quite a common condition comprising of up to 1% of cases in dermatology clinics. It may occur at any age but most cases of lichen planus develop in people betwen 30 and 70 years old.

There are several different types of lichen planus but the most common type is papular lichen planus. This type usually presents as papulas on the skin that have a shiny, smooth flat surface. Over time the papules can expand and coalesce to form plaques which can be pink, violet or brown in color. The hair inside these plaques can be lost.

There are other less common forms of lichen planus:

Aactinic Lichen Planus that is only found in warm countries and only affects sun exposed areas.

Lichen Planus Spinulosis presents itself in various ways sometimes with hair loss, and occupational lichen planus develops in people exposed to chemicals such as those used in color film development. It is suggested that exposure to gold, mepacine, aminophenazole, beta-blockers, methyldopa, penicillamine, quinidine, and quinine may play a role in promoting the lichen planus condition for some people who are genetically susceptible to the condition.

Lichen planopilaris also called lichen planus folicularis is a desciptive term given to any instance of lichen planus where hair loss is associated with lichen planus papule development.

There can be many reasons for hair loss please click on the links below to read about hair loss causes.

Celiac Disease associated Alopecia Hair Loss	Psoriasis Hair Loss
Diffuse Hair Loss	Scalp Ring Worm Hair Loss
Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)	Scarring Alopecia Hair Loss
Folliculitis Decalvans Hair Loss	Scleroderma Hair Loss
Folliculitis Hair Loss	Seborrhoeic Dermatitus / Eczema Hair Loss
Lichen Planopilaris Hair Loss	Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss
Lichen Planus Hair Loss	Trichotillomania Hair Loss
Lupus Hair Loss