Overview
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory condition that attacks the hair follicles on the scalp, causing permanent hair loss in patches. It is considered a form of scarring alopecia, which means the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, so the hair cannot grow back in affected areas. The condition is related to lichen planus, a broader skin and mucous membrane disorder, but LPP specifically targets the scalp. Some people also hear it called follicular lichen planus. The main symptoms include itching, burning, and tenderness on the scalp, along with redness and scaling around individual hair follicles. Over time, smooth, pale, or shiny bald patches develop where the follicles have been permanently damaged. In some cases, LPP can affect the hairline at the front of the scalp — a variant called frontal fibrosing alopecia — or cause widespread thinning. There is no cure for LPP, but treatments aim to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and slow or stop further hair loss. Options include topical and injected corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine, and other anti-inflammatory medications. Early diagnosis and treatment give the best chance of preserving remaining hair.
Key symptoms:
Itching or burning sensation on the scalpTenderness or pain on the scalpRedness around the base of hair folliclesScaling or flaking around individual hairsPatchy hair loss that does not grow backSmooth, shiny, or pale bald patches on the scalpReceding hairline (especially in the frontal fibrosing alopecia variant)Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes in some casesSkin texture changes in bald areasOccasionally, similar lesions on other parts of the body or inside the mouth
Clinical phenotype terms (15)— hover any for plain English
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventThe Skin Center Dermatology Group — PHASE4
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Lichen planopilaris.
1 clinical trialare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →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 Lichen planopilaris.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
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 active is my disease right now, and how quickly might it progress without treatment?,Which treatment do you recommend for me, and how long before I might see results?,Are there any side effects I should watch for with the medications you are prescribing?,How often should I come back for check-ups, and what signs should prompt me to call sooner?,Is there anything I can do at home — such as avoiding certain products or activities — to help slow the disease?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should know about?,Should I see a mental health professional or join a support group to help cope with hair loss?
Common questions about Lichen planopilaris
What is Lichen planopilaris?
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory condition that attacks the hair follicles on the scalp, causing permanent hair loss in patches. It is considered a form of scarring alopecia, which means the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, so the hair cannot grow back in affected areas. The condition is related to lichen planus, a broader skin and mucous membrane disorder, but LPP specifically targets the scalp. Some people also hear it called follicular lichen planus. The main symptoms include itching, burning, and tenderness on the scalp, along with redness and scal
How is Lichen planopilaris inherited?
Lichen planopilaris follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Lichen planopilaris typically begin?
Typical onset of Lichen planopilaris is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Lichen planopilaris?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for Lichen planopilaris on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Lichen planopilaris?
8 specialists and care centers treating Lichen planopilaris are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.