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Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are lymphocyte-mediated scarring alopecias which clinically affect primarily the anterior and mid-scalp. However, unaffected scalp areas have not yet been investigated in a systemic manner. In this study, we assessed histopathologic changes in affected and unaffected scalp in both diseases and healthy control subjects and compared these findings with clinical signs and scalp symptoms. We have demonstrated that "normal-appearing" scalp that is devoid of clinical lesions of LPP and FFA showed lymphocytic perifollicular inflammation around the isthmus/infundibulum areas in 65% of biopsy specimens, perifollicular fibrosis in 15% and mucin deposits in 7.5% of the cases. None of these findings were found in control samples. No direct correlation was found between the degree of histopathological inflammation, scalp symptoms and clinical lesions in the corresponding affected scalp areas. This preliminary study suggests that both diseases may be more generalized processes which affect the scalp and therefore need systemic or total scalp therapy., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are lymphocytic scarring alopecias affecting primarily the scalp. Although both diseases may share some clinical and histopathological features, in the last decade, FFA has become an "epidemic" particularly in Europe, North and South America with unique clinical manifestations compared to LPP, thus, raising the idea that this disease may have a different pathogenesis. Symptoms such as scalp burning, pruritus or pain are usually present in both diseases, suggesting a possible role for nerves and neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Based on some previous studies, neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), have been associated with lipid metabolism and many chronic inflammatory disorders. In this study, we asked if these neuropeptides are associated with LPP and FFA scalp lesions. Alteration in the expression of SP and CGRP in affected and unaffected scalp skin from patients with both diseases was found with examination of sections using immunohistochemical techniques and confocal microscopy. We then quantitatively assessed and compared SP and CGRP expression from control, LPP and FFA scalp biopsies. Although LPP and FFA share similar histopathologic findings, opposite results were found in affected and unaffected scalp in the ELISA tests, suggesting that these diseases may have different pathogenic mechanisms. We also found presence of histopathological inflammation irrespective of evident clinical lesions, which raises the possibility that both diseases may be more generalized processes affecting the scalp., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome is a rare lichenoid dermatosis. It is characterized by the triad of scarring alopecia of the scalp, alopecia of the axilla and or groin, and keratotic follicular papules of the body. The present paper reports on two cases affecting young women. Histopathological findings suggest the disorder represents a generalized form of lichen planus follicularis.

Psoriasis is a relatively frequent inflammatory dermatosis. Scarring alopecia due to scalp psoriasis was first reported in 1972, but few reports have been written since then, showing that this is a very rare complication of a common disorder. We report a young Brazilian woman with longstanding scalp psoriasis, which progressed to scaring alopecia.

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia is considered a particular clinical form of lichen planopilaris that primarily involves the scalp hair over the frontal hairline. Concomitant involvement of vellus at different body sites has recently been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the involvement of facial vellus by effects of the inflammatory process. Unlike the usual noninflammatory clinical presentation of vellus involvement over other body areas, facial vellus involvement can lead to surface changes that may be recognized both by patients and dermatologists., Observations: Four patients with typical clinical features of frontal fibrosing alopecia presented with noninflammatory follicular papules over the face, most often inside the temporal area, and described as "roughness" by the patients. Histologic samples showed lichen planopilaris features involving the facial vellus., Conclusions: The new concept of frontal fibrosing alopecia as a generalized disease is important for treatment planning and research. Dermatologists must learn to recognize facial surface changes and discuss these with the patients, who may attribute this roughness to aging or hormonal changes associated with menopause. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of this involvement in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Background: Scarring alopecias are classified into primary and secondary types according to the initial site of inflammation. In primary scarring alopecias, the hair follicle is the main target of destruction; the term secondary cicatricial alopecia implies that follicular destruction is not the primary pathologic event., Aims: To review the histopathologic diagnoses of cases of cicatricial alopecia in order to classify them according to the North American Hair Research Society., Patients and Methods: Patients with biopsy specimens diagnosed as cicatricial alopecia seen from 2000 to 2005 at the Dermatologic Department of Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo University Medical School had hematoxylin and eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff and Weigert stained slides reevaluated and sub-typed into different primary cicatricial alopecias., Results: Thirty-eight cases of primary cicatricial alopecias were reclassified as: chronic cutaneous lupus (17), lichen planus pilaris (4), pseudopelade of Brocq (12), folliculitis decalvans (3), dissecting folliculitis (1), and non-specific scarring alopecia (1). In our cases, the methods employed allowed an accurate diagnosis in 12 of 13 cases (92.3%) previously classified as non-specific cicatricial alopecias., Conclusions: Even in the late, pauci or non-inflammatory phases, an approach with systematic evaluation of a constellation of criteria in routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, Periodic acid-Schiff and Weigert stain allowed for a more accurate diagnosis of cicatricial alopecias.

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome is a rare lichenoid dermatosis. It is characterized by the triad of scarring alopecia of the scalp, alopecia of the axilla and or groin, and keratotic follicular papules of the body. The present paper reports on two cases affecting young women. Histopathological findings suggest the disorder represents a generalized form of lichen planus follicularis.

Background: Eyebrow loss (madarosis) is a frequent sign of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), and it can be the first sign of the disease.Objective: To describe trichoscopy findings of FFA on the eyebrows.Methods: The analysis included 151 women with histologically proven diagnosis of FFA and eyebrow loss. Trichoscopy of the eyebrow area was performed with either a FotoFinder videodermatoscope or handheld dermoscope DermLite II pro.Results: The most frequent signs on trichoscopy were yellow dots (92.7%), multiple pinpoint dots (79.5%), short thin hairs/vellus (76.2%), black dots (66.2%), and dystrophic hairs (60.9%). Tapering hairs were found in 21 (13.9%) patients and dystrophic hairs in 92 (60.9%) patients.Limitations: Inner limitations of a case series (there was no comparison with healthy control individuals or patients with other hair disorders) and lack of histologic correlation to the trichoscopy findings.Conclusions: Although FFA is a scarring alopecia, the most common trichoscopy signs found in the eyebrows are usually related to noncicatricial alopecia. Therefore, in most cases, trichoscopy of the eyebrows does not resemble the trichoscopy of FFA on the scalp. Black dots, dystrophic hairs, and broken hairs are frequent signs. Occasionally, tapered hairs can be present on the eyebrows in FFA, leading to misdiagnosis of alopecia areata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a disorder characterized by progressive cicatricial alopecia (CA). Its classification as a clinical variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP) or as a unique disorder is controversial. The presence of Langerhans cells within the bulge area and the sebaceous epithelium and the presence of lymphocytic infiltrate in this area in CA have led to a series of hypotheses, although limited, about their development. To our knowledge, scarce is the literature demonstrating immunoanalytical studies comparing both disorders. Objective: The authors sought to describe diagnostic findings, comorbidities, and immunopathological features of female patients with FFA as compared to LPP. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included patients given the diagnosis of FFA or LPP. The LPP activity index was used to evaluate objective signs and subjective symptoms. Biopsy specimens were obtained from active, inflammatory areas of the scalp, and the inflammatory infiltrate intensity and quality were compared. Direct immunofluorescence for IgA, IgM, and IgG and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the expression of CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD68, and 2,3-dioxygenase indoleamine were performed. Results: Twenty female patients (10 patients with FFA and 10 patients with LPP) were included in the study. Histopathological findings evidenced reduced number of hair follicles and perifollicular fibrosis in both disorders. Immunofluorescence findings resulted positive in 50% of FFA cases and 40% of LPP cases. Conclusion: Although clinically different, our findings suggest that there are, to date, no histological or immunological findings that allow us to accurately separate these two forms of scarring alopecia, namely FFA and LPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute traction alopecia is a diagnostic challenge when the external factor is not suspected or admitted. We report two female patients with non-scarring patchy alopecia resulting from traction of video-electroencephalogram electrodes in which the clinical diagnosis of alopecia areata was suspected. Associated diffuse hair disorders might be implicated in these cases. The correct diagnosis of traction alopecia is important in order to avoid unnecessary treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]