Oremović L., Sjerobabski Masnec I., Lugović L.

Department for Dermatovenerology, University Hospital "Sestre milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia

The possible important cosmetic consequences of scarring alopecia and irreversibility, demand special diagnostic attention in order to attain precise diagnosis and treatment. Scarring processes can permanently damage essential parts of the hair follicle or destroy the entire hair follicle, leading to hair loss. By definition, it is irreversible alopecia. Histologically, it is characterised by dermal scarring, often relatively deep, along with absent or reduced hair follicles and reduced numbers of erector pili muscles. Scarring alopecia can be due to a number causes. The most common causes of scaring alopecia are discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), lichen planus, pseudopelade, infection of the hair follicle (bacterial or fungal), sarcoidosis, morphea, mucinosis follicularis, trauma, cicatrial pemphigoid and neoplastic conditions.

The purpose of this study was to examine the causes of scaring alopecia by anamnestic data and pathohistologic examination of patients in our Clinic during a12-month period.

A total of 10 patients with clinically scarring alopecia were involved in this study. The examination included anamnestic data, including treatment history, the light pull test, a trichogram, testing for anti-nuclear antibodies and skin biopsies.

Skin biopsies and pathohistologic examination of the patients showed different skin disorders – pseudopelade, lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus and chronic folliculitis. There were no important medical or dermatological association with other disorders or related medical conditions.

The pathohistologic examination of most scarring alopecia patients showed different skin disorders, although some patients showed non-specific histology. This experience will lead us to more complex investigations in order to extend our knowledge about scarring alopecia. We hope that this type of alopecia will attract more attention and investigation in the future.