Planopilaris (Lichen Planus)

Planopilaris is the specific name given to Lichen Planus of the scalp. This disease presents as follicular and perifollicular violaceous scaly, often intensely pruritic papules which usually result in small circumscribed areas of scarring alopecia.

The disease which may advance slowly or aggresively can affect all age groups but is more common in 4th - 6th decade women.

This disease is thought to be responsible for a high percentage of cases of cicatricial (scarring) alopecia.

Pseudopelade may be the diagnosis given. Differential diagnosis with Chronic Lupus Erythematosus (discoid) may prove difficult.

It has been suggested that some clinical/pathological features of lichen planus can be drug induced in predisposed individuals