Does anyone else have lichen Plano Pilaris?

[Warwickian]

Hello everyone,

Have had hair loss for many years, put this down to under active thyroid which was unsuccessfully treated with Levothyroxine. I had a gene test and found I cannot convert this so now take Liothyronine on private prescription. I had complained about my hair loss and was told was age and low thyroid hormone but, after a bout of itchy scalp, a new GP actually referred me to a dermatologist. She’s very nice and, after a biopsy, has diagnosed Lichen Plano Pilaris. This causes permanent hair loss with scarring, which is depressing.

Further tests have shown my thyroid and hair loss are auto immune.

I have always had baby fine hair, never a great head of hair. I apply Dermovate lotion but what worries me more is that I’m sure my eyebrows and eyelashes ( my best feature) are affected. Has anyone else had this?

Thank you x

[butterflyEi]

Yes, I was diagnosed with subtle LPP, zinc deficiency and female pattern hair loss (FPHL). I too always had baby fine thin hair so I did not really notice hair loss until it was very apparent. My eyebrows are almost gone, my eyelashes are in tact but very short and always have been. My thyroid is okay. I have other autoimmune conditions and had put the hair loss down to age and medication. It was good that the hepatologist referred me to the dermatologist as I have now learned that the burning itching of the scalp was probably more likely LPP rather than just the itchy scalp.

There does not seem to be much information out there for LPP but the following is a link to an authorative paper. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK4...

and this one from the British Association of Dermatologists

bad.org.uk/shared/get-file....

[Warwickian in reply to butterflyEi]

Hi, thank you for your reply and the references. My dermatologist had already given me one of the links as well as to a New Zealand one; she’s very thorough and pleasant. I think I have the Graham Little variant as have lost body hair as well - the only plus factor! TBH I’m more concerned about the eyebrows and eyelashes especially as I have recently had eye surgery and don’t want dry eyes / infections. We have 2 hair loss centres (Lucinda Ellery and a wig specialist) near where I live, so can get something done about my hair if/ when I get remission.

[almer in reply to Warwickian]

Hi. I was diagnosed with LPP approximately 3 years ago, but had some of the symptoms before that. My original symptoms were a burning/itching sensation of the scalp. But also more worryingly, my eyelashes started coming out more frequently, to the extent that I gave up wearing mascara as my eyelashes were non-existent. I also started getting patches in my eyebrows, but thankfully my eyebrows and eyelashes have grown back, albeit quite short.I hope this is encouraging news for you, as I know how worrying this can be.

Take care.

[Warwickian in reply to almer]

Thank you! I’ve recently had cataract surgery as well, so it was difficult to know if the operation plus eye drops were causing loss of brow and lashes or if it’s the LPP. I’m using Dermovate at the moment but am due for review soon. Best wishes to you and thanks again

[Myhair in reply to Warwickian]

Hi, thank you for sharing the info for Lucinda Ellery .

[beyondallbelief]

My dermatologist diagnosed LPP and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and I am now on 400mgs of Hydroxychloroquine daily. She also prescribed Dermovate lotion but I don't like it as I feel it's very strong. I use essential oils (I mix a concoction for hair loss) and find that really helps as it seems to take the tension out of my hair and helps with the condition. My hair loss started at least six years ago with stress but as it was very gradual I didn't realise until I'd lost about an inch. I have bald patches especially on the right side and receded across my head from ear to ear (FFA). The HCQ has taken the itchiness away and I have only one or two inflamed patches now. I hope this account helps.

[Warwickian in reply to beyondallbelief]

Thank you for your reply. I’m due for a review soon and hope to try the HCQ as my hair and brows are quite thin and I don’t feel that Dermovate has done much so far!

[Warwickian in reply to beyondallbelief]

Do you mind telling me which essential oils you use? I already use almond oil for my nails and it has worked wonders. Thank you!

[beyondallbelief in reply to Warwickian]

I use 5 drops of Cedarwood, Frankincense Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Ylang Ylang. Alternate them but all good for hair follicles and stimulating hair growth. Massage in and leave an hour. Do as often as possible. I do hope it helps you.

[Warwickian in reply to beyondallbelief]

Thank you! I have a couple of those already but will add more to try your suggested routine. X

[beyondallbelief in reply to Warwickian]

I do hope it will help you. You can look up essential oils for alopecia online as well x