Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

Michael J Randolph; Waleed Al Salhi; Antonella Tosti

doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00359-x

Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Apr;10(2):311-319. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00359-x. Epub 2020 Feb 14.

Authors

Michael J Randolph¹, Waleed Al Salhi², Antonella Tosti³

Affiliations

¹ University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
² Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia.
³ Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. atosti@med.miami.edu.

Abstract

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a cell-mediated scarring alopecia that causes inflammation of the scalp and the eventual destruction of hair follicles in affected areas. Current literature on treatment of LPP remains limited with no definitive treatment approach being recognized, although a combination of topical/intralesional steroids and orally administered hydroxychloroquine remains the most utilized option. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is an expanding technology shown to be effective in a variety of dermatologic conditions. We report here four patients with LPP who show a dramatic response to LLLT, including a reduction of inflammation, disappearance of symptoms, and evident hair regrowth with no side effects. We review the possible role of LLLT in LPP and other lichenoid conditions.

Keywords: Alopecia; Cicatricial alopecia; Fibrosing alopecia with a pattern distribution (FAPD); Hair loss; Hair regrowth; Lichen planopilaris (LPP); Lichen planus; Lichenoid dermatosis; Low-level light therapy (LLLT); Scarring alopecia.