Alopecia mucinosa. Report of a case with diffuse alopecia and normal-appearing scalp skin

Abstract

A 69-year-old man had reversible generalized thinning of the scalp hair and normal-appearing scalp skin that proved to be secondary to follicular mucinosis. This case illustrates that when mild degrees of follicular degeneration and inflammation occur in this disorder, physical findings other than alopecia may be absent. In rare instances, follicular mucinosis can occur as a chronic diffuse noncicatricial alopecia.

CD8+ mycosis fungoides clinically masquerading as alopecia areata

“…Another differential diagnosis of hypopigmented patches of alopecia includes follicular mucinosis or alopecia mucinosis, which histologically shows deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides in the outer root sheath of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands . Follicular mucinosis can occur as an idiopathic inflammatory disease as well as in association with malignant conditions, most commonly MF .…”

Update on primary cicatricial alopecias

“…209,220,226,228,242 When the scalp is affected, the patient may complain of shedding 242 and results of the pull test may be positive. 229,242 Because affected hair shafts are prone to breakage, 229,242 alopecia mucinosa can present with a ''black dots'' sign resembling that seen in tinea capitis. 229 Both scarring and nonscarring alopecia are seen.…”

“…229 Both scarring and nonscarring alopecia are seen. 211,220,242 In nonscarring cases, hair regrowth may lag by months after disease resolution. 211 In adults, MF is the most common malignancy associated with alopecia mucinosa, reported to occur in 9%-60%.…”

Cicatricial alopecia: classification and histopathology

“…Alopecia may or may not be permanent depending on the extent of lymphocytic destruction around follicular stem cells and degree of mucin deposition (18,22,28,46,65).…”