What should you know about hair lichen planus?

Scalp lichen planus may appear as redness, small bumps, scale, burning, tenderness, or itch around individual hairs. Inflammation can weaken or destroy affected follicles; the resulting hair loss may become scarring, which is why changes should not be ignored. The condition can occur with lichen planus elsewhere, including itchy skin or skin bumps, but scalp symptoms can also be the first concern.

A clinician may examine the scalp closely and sometimes take a small skin sample to confirm the cause. Other disorders can mimic its redness, scale, or patchy loss, so self-diagnosing from photographs is unreliable.

Book a dermatology review for persistent scalp itch, bumps, scale, tenderness, or hair loss. Treatment aims to calm follicle inflammation and limit further damage. A clinician may recommend topical corticosteroids for localized areas or oral corticosteroid treatment when inflammation is more extensive; the choice depends on examination findings, medical history, and monitoring needs. Avoid scratching, picking, harsh dyes, and tight hairstyles while the scalp is active.

Seek prompt assessment if hair loss is expanding, the scalp becomes painful, shiny, or smooth, or you notice pus, crusting, or significant redness. Urgent care is appropriate for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a severe reaction after a treatment. Earlier review matters because scarred follicles may not regrow hair.

Do my scalp findings fit lichen planus or another follicle disorder? Is a biopsy useful? Which areas are inflamed, and how will treatment be monitored? What should I avoid while the scalp heals?