It has been reported that the formation of wrinkles involves changes in the elastic properties of the dermis due to the denaturation of elastic fibers. Several studies have shown that the hydration condition of the stratum corneum is also important in wrinkle formation. It is, however, still unclear how the stratum corneum contributes to wrinkle formation. Here we investigated the relationship between the formation of wrinkles and changes in the physical properties and condition of the skin after repetitive ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation of hairless mice (HR/ICR). Repetitive UVB irradiation caused wrinkles on the dorsal skin of the mice. The elasticity (E') of the stratum corneum of UVB-irradiated mice was significantly lower than that of age-matched control (unirradiated) mice. UVB exposure also caused a deterioration of the fibrous ultrastructure of keratin intermediate filaments (KIFs) in the skin. We conclude that the deterioration of KIFs in the stratum corneum caused by repetitive UVB irradiation decreases the elastic properties of the stratum corneum, resulting in the formation of wrinkles.

These results suggest that steady state UPE reflects not only intrinsic skin aging and cutaneous color but also the current oxidative status independent of skin aging.

In this case, the presentation with classical FFA made the diagnosis simpler despite the history of DLE of the scalp. Difficulty would arise if a patient presented with scarring alopecia due to LPP, rather than typical FFA, which may go unrecognized due to diagnostic overshadowing given a history of DLE. Similarly, a patient with known LP presenting with scarring alopecia should not be assumed to have LP-induced hair loss.This case serves as a reminder that the presence of cutaneous lesions elsewhere, while a useful clue, may also mislead the unwary when diagnosing cicatricial alopecias. A comprehensive clinical and pathological assessment proforma has been published which may be of use in aiding diagnosis and management of patients with challenging cicatricial alopecias. 9 Tan KT, Messenger AG. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: clinical presentations and prognosis. Br J Dermatol 2009; 160:75-9. 5 Faulkner CF, Wilson NJ, Jones SK. Frontal fibrosing alopecia associated with cutaneous lichen planus in a premenopausal woman. Australas J Dermatol 2002; 43:65-7. 6 Dlova NC. Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planus pigmentosus: is there a link? Br

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