BH06 (P100) Dermoscopy and clinicohistopathological profile of lichen planopilaris restricted to the face: a case series of six unusual cases

Abstract

Abstract Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune cicatricial alopecia that usually affects the scalp. LPP confined to the face is rare and the information on its dermoscopy is limited. We present the dermoscopy and clinicohistopathological profile of six patients, all but one of whom were men aged 32–60 years. A 12-year-old girl was the youngest patient in our series, as well as in the literature to the best of our knowledge. All patients presented with varying degrees of hyperpigmented atrophic patches and scarring alopecia restricted to the face. Two had a linear morphology, which is usually the most common presentation of facial LPP. In our series, the chin was the most frequently affected site, followed by the cheek and upper lips; the forehead was the least frequently involved. None of the patients had lesions elsewhere on the body, including the scalp. The duration of the lesions ranged from 1 to 6 months. All cases showed a brown-to-violaceous background and/or mild blotchy erythema, significantly reduced hair follicles, cicatricial alopecia, and variable scaling and/or peripilar cast, brown dots, pigment pseudonetwork, pigment clumps and whitish scar-like areas on dermoscopy. Histopathology predominantly showed perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate, basal layer vacuolar degeneration and pigment incontinence, focal areas of perifollicular fibrosis, corresponding to the erythema and peripilar cast, brown dots and pigment clumps, and scar-like areas. The men all described regular shaving, almost daily. The girl and two men described having a regular mustard oil massage over the face, which might have irritated and damaged the facial skin. The possibility of continuous microtrauma due to shaving and mustard oil application acting as a trigger leading to development of facial LPP cannot be ruled out. All patients received hydroxychloroquine, potent topical corticosteroids, intralesional steroids and/or oral steroids. Patient 3 was lost to follow-up; the rest are under regular follow-up with a favourable—albeit suboptimal—response. This case series highlights a rare presentation of LPP restricted to the face, with only a few similar cases with dermoscopy reported in the literature. Its diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion in any case presenting with scarring alopecia and atrophic patches over the face. The treatment is difficult and aims to halt disease progression and/or hair regrowth if detected and treated early, preventing significant morbidity and anxiety in the patient.