Lichen Planopilaris Hair Loss Treatment

Lichen planopilaris is an inflammatory condition that targets hair follicles, usually on the scalp. It may cause patchy loss, redness around hairs, scale, itching, burning, tenderness, or a smooth and shiny appearance where follicles have been damaged. The condition can be active at the edges of a hair-loss area while the centre looks quieter. A dermatologist may examine the scalp closely and may recommend a biopsy when the diagnosis is uncertain. This is different from ordinary shedding because inflammation and follicle injury guide the treatment plan.

Treatment is individualised according to activity, location, symptoms, other health conditions, and the amount of follicle damage. Anti-inflammatory medicine may be applied to the scalp, injected into selected areas, or prescribed by mouth. An [Intralesional Steroid Injection](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) places medicine into affected skin, while [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/) affects the body more broadly and requires a clinician to weigh benefits and risks. Keep follow-up appointments so the scalp can be compared over time. Gentle washing, avoiding tight hairstyles, and limiting scratching may reduce additional irritation, but these measures do not replace treatment for active inflammation.

Arrange specialist review if hair loss is accompanied by scalp pain, burning, redness, scale, pustules, or tenderness, or if a patch is enlarging. Contact the prescribing clinician about new or worsening symptoms during treatment, including changes that suggest infection or a medicine reaction. Earlier review is useful when the hairline, eyebrows, or other visibly important areas are involved. Follicles that have scarred may not regrow, so the aim is to identify and control active disease before more follicles are affected.

Ask how active the inflammation appears, whether a biopsy is needed, which treatment route fits your situation, how side effects will be monitored, how often the scalp should be reviewed, and what signs suggest that treatment needs adjustment.