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Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a cicatricial alopecia that presents with patchy or diffuse hair loss at the vertex or parietal scalp. The literature has limited evidence on treatments for this challenging disease, with most reports involving small groups of patients with varied or suboptimal clinical responses. Amongst individuals who do respond to therapy and eventually achieve disease remission, hair regrowth within scarred alopecic patches is rare.¹ Herein, we report a patient with biopsy confirmed LPP who demonstrated remarkable hair regrowth at a previously scarred alopecic patch after initiating low-dose naltrexone (LDN) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), despite minimal response to 4 months of prior therapy with intralesional corticosteroids, topical clobetasol, topical minoxidil, finasteride, doxycycline, and ketoconazole shampoo. This case highlights the importance of remaining flexible and diligent in therapeutic approaches to LPP and the need for more robust literature on prognosis and treatment options for LPP patients.

Alopecia universalis is a type of alopecia areata (AA) characterized by total body hair loss. The mechanism of this loss is primarily due to autoimmune disruption of the hair follicle. AA has historically been treated with corticosteroids, minoxidil, and other immune therapies that possess limited efficacy with high recurrence rates and adverse effects.¹ However, in recent years the Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKis) have emerged with novel immunomodulatory effects by blocking interferon-gamma and interleukin-15, involved in immune activation at the hair follicle.² Currently, three oral JAKis, baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib, have been studied under phase 3, randomized, controlled trials for AA.^2-5

Hair treatments have proliferated in the past several years. While prior treatment options were limited to topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), novel options have emerged. Topical minoxidil is typically considered the benchmark by which other treatments are compared. In the clinical setting, tweaks are often made based on theoretical data. A prominent example is the addition of topical finasteride to topical minoxidil, which is largely practiced but not widely studied. To address this, Asad et al compared 5% topical minoxidil to the combination of 5% minoxidil with 0.25% finasteride. 

Alopecia Areata: The Clinician and Patient Voice

The review synthesizes clinician and patient survey data to describe the lived burden of alopecia areata, the condition course, and current care gaps. It highlights the profound psychosocial impact and quality of life impairments that patients experience, including anxiety and depression, and summarizes clinician observations about diagnostic challenges and therapeutic limitations.

Article Highlight: Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.25% With Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in Treatment of Male Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

This article from November’s JDD study reveals a potential game-changer in the fight against Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness). Researchers compared two popular treatments for hair regrowth, and one combination therapy delivered significantly superior results. Could this new approach offer a more effective solution for millions of men?

AI-Powered Personalization for Hair Loss: A Promising Alternative?

With up to 50% of women and 80% of men experiencing hair loss, many turn to generic over-the-counter solutions—often with disappointing results. Could AI-driven customization be the answer?

Beyond Minoxidil: Is It Time to Rethink Female Hair Loss Treatment?

More than half of postmenopausal women, and a significant percentage of younger, healthy women, struggle with visible hair loss, often starting as early as their reproductive years. Whether it’s androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or scarring forms like lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, the psychological toll is undeniable. Yet, despite its prevalence, FDA-approved treatment options remain frustratingly limited.

Emerging Topical Approaches in the Management of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Alopecia can be categorized as cicatricial and non-cicatricial, with female androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) included in the latter category.

Efficacy of a Dual-Serum Cosmetic System in Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss

Hair loss is a widespread condition with a potentially severe psychological burden, especially among women. The chance of suffering from female alopecia increases with menopause, and topical treatments beyond minoxidil are scarce. Over the past several years, new combinations of natural ingredients and patented mixtures have shown promising results to improve hair shedding, thus helping recover self-esteem and confidence.