Psoriatic scarring alopecia: observations in four patients

Abstract

Psoriasis can cause scarring alopecia.

Histopathologic Study of Scalp Psoriasis: Peculiar Features Including Sebaceous Gland Atrophy

“…Except for hormonal influences, little is known about factors that might cause atrophy of sebaceous glands. Sebaceous gland abnormalities as they were seen by us in at least 10 specimens taken from psoriatic lesions on the scalp were observed before by Headington et al, 5 in 1989, Runne and Kroneisen-Wiersma, 7 in 1992, Wilson et al,8 in 1994, and Bardazzi et al, 9 in 1999. Headington et al 5 studied scalp biopsies from 28 patients with psoriasis that were horizontally sectioned (only 2 cases were studied in the conventional, vertical plane).…”

“…Based on our observations and on the findings published in 4 articles previously, [5][6][7][8][9] it appears to be unquestionable that atrophy of sebaceous glands is a finding encountered not uncommonly in biopsy specimens taken from lesions on the scalp of patients with widespread plaque psoriasis. Furthermore, the lack of atrophy and the presence of bigger sebaceous glands in the individuals from the study group (P = 0.03) prove that atrophy of sebaceous glands in scalp psoriasis is not an incidental finding.…”

“…As far as we are concerned, scarring alopecia due to scalp psoriasis is rarely reported. 7,9,[12][13][14][15][16] The pathogenesis of scarring alopecia in scalp psoriasis is debatable. In the largest study of hair loss in 47 patients with scalp psoriasis, 7 the vast majority of patients presented hair loss only in areas affected by psoriasis and after treatment the alopecia disappeared.…”

The two-compound formulation of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate for treatment of moderately severe body and scalp psoriasis – an introduction

“…While signs and symptoms vary immensely between patients 8 , itching and scaling 7 are the most common and distressing in the majority. Physically disfiguring, these afflictions can significantly impact on a patient's quality of life, restricting daily living 7,9-12 often due to loss of self-esteem and confidence.…”

Alopecia universalis Associated with Zumbusch-Type Generalized Pustular Psoriasis

“…

The scalp is frequently involved in psoriasis [1][2][3]; however, scalp involvement associated with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is rare. We here report a case of alopecia universalis in a patient with Zumbusch-type GPP associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

A 70-year-old woman was referred to our hospital complaining of scaly erythematous lesions on the face and back.

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