What should you know about hair loss lichen planus?

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that may affect skin, mouth, nails, or hair-bearing areas. On the scalp, inflammation around follicles can cause itching, burning, tenderness, redness, scale, or small bumps. Hair may shed from involved areas, and the scalp can develop smooth or shiny patches when follicle injury becomes scarring. A dermatologist may examine the scalp closely and sometimes recommend a biopsy to distinguish lichen planus from other causes of inflammatory hair loss. Itchy skin and skin bumps elsewhere can provide useful clues, but they do not establish the diagnosis on their own.

Book a dermatology review if scalp symptoms accompany patchy loss. Treatment aims to reduce follicle inflammation and is tailored to the extent and activity of disease. A clinician may discuss topical corticosteroids for accessible areas or oral corticosteroid treatment when broader therapy is appropriate. Use gentle shampoo, avoid scratching, and pause tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, and heat on painful areas. Do not apply leftover steroid products to the scalp without guidance, because the strength, vehicle, duration, and monitoring matter.

Seek prompt dermatology care for quickly enlarging patches, persistent scalp pain or burning, pus, crusting, bleeding, or noticeable loss of follicle openings. Arrange assessment sooner if eyebrows or eyelashes are changing, or if mouth or nail symptoms appear with the scalp problem. Earlier review can help determine whether inflammation is active and whether treatment needs adjustment.

Is the scalp inflammation active, and is scarring present? Do I need a biopsy? Which treatment is suitable for the affected areas? How should I use a topical corticosteroid, and what monitoring is needed for oral treatment? What hair practices should I stop while the scalp heals?