Overview
Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (also called Graham Little syndrome or GLPS) is a rare skin and hair condition that belongs to a group of disorders known as lichen planopilaris. It causes permanent hair loss in three different areas of the body at the same time: the scalp, the armpits, and the pubic region. The hair loss on the scalp is scarring, meaning the hair follicles are destroyed and hair cannot grow back in those areas. Along with hair loss, many people develop small, rough, spiny bumps on the skin of the body and limbs — a pattern called keratosis pilaris-like changes. The scalp may also show redness, scaling, and irritation around the remaining hair follicles. This condition most often affects middle-aged women, though men can also be diagnosed. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the immune system mistakenly attacking hair follicles, leading to inflammation and scarring. Some cases have been linked to certain triggers such as medications, infections, or other autoimmune conditions. There is currently no cure for Graham Little syndrome. Treatment focuses on slowing down the hair loss and reducing inflammation and discomfort. Options include topical and oral corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine, and other immune-modifying medications. Early treatment is important because once hair follicles are scarred, the hair loss in those areas is permanent.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Permanent, scarring hair loss on the scalpHair loss in the armpits (axillary hair loss)Hair loss in the pubic areaSmall, rough, spiny skin bumps on the body and limbs (follicular papules)Redness and scaling around hair follicles on the scalpItching or burning sensation on the scalpPatchy bald areas on the scalp that may slowly grow largerThinning or complete loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair in some casesSkin irritation or tenderness in affected areas
Clinical phenotype terms (7)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Nemolizumab to Treat Lichen Planopilaris, a Noncontrolled, Prospective, Pilot Study.
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How quickly is my hair loss likely to progress, and what can we do to slow it down?,Which treatment do you recommend for me first, and how long before I might see results?,Are there any tests I should have to check for related autoimmune conditions?,What are the side effects of hydroxychloroquine, and do I need regular eye exams while taking it?,Is there any chance the hair loss could be reversed, or is it permanent in the areas already affected?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should know about?,Can you refer me to a counselor or support group for people dealing with hair loss?
Common questions about Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome
What is Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome?
Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (also called Graham Little syndrome or GLPS) is a rare skin and hair condition that belongs to a group of disorders known as lichen planopilaris. It causes permanent hair loss in three different areas of the body at the same time: the scalp, the armpits, and the pubic region. The hair loss on the scalp is scarring, meaning the hair follicles are destroyed and hair cannot grow back in those areas. Along with hair loss, many people develop small, rough, spiny bumps on the skin of the body and limbs — a pattern called keratosis pilaris-like changes. The sc
How is Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome inherited?
Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.