Facial lesions in frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA): Clinicopathological features in a series of 12 cases

Abstract

Background: Facial lesions in frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) have been poorly described in published series.

Objective: We sought to describe facial lesions in FFA.

Methods: We reviewed our series of 55 cases of FFA, selecting 12 cases with clinically significant facial lesions. We performed a histologic study of these lesions.

Results: In addition to the observations already described in the literature such as facial papules or follicular red dots, we observed perifollicular and diffuse erythema, sometimes with a reticular pattern, and the gradual appearance of pigmented macules on facial skin. Biopsy specimens from the areas with facial erythema showed perifollicular and interfollicular lymphocytic infiltrate and fibrosis around vellus hair follicles. Histologic evaluation of pigmented macules sometimes exhibited an increased epidermal pigmentation and on occasions, pigmentary incontinence.

Limitations: More patients are needed to determine the prevalence of these lesions in FFA.

Conclusion: On facial skin of patients with FFA, we can observe papules or perifollicular erythema secondary to vellus hair follicle involvement. We describe diffuse erythema, owing to follicular and interfollicular lichenoid infiltrate, and the gradual appearance of pigmented macules, which could be secondary to an increased epidermal pigmentation or to pigmentary incontinence.

Keywords: alopecia; face; frontal fibrosing alopecia; lichen planus; papules; vellus hair.