Successful treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia with alitretinoin

Dermatol Ther. 2019 Sep;32(5):e13037. doi: 10.1111/dth.13037. Epub 2019 Aug 8.

Abstract

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by scarring alopecia of the frontotemporal scalp, thinning or loss of facial hair, and facial papules. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent permanent hair loss. Although studies have reported the efficacy of oral retinoids (isotretinoin and acitretin) in FFA treatment, a therapeutic role for alitretinoin is known only for lichen planus and not for FFA. Herein, we report a case of FFA accompanied with lichen planus that responded well to treatment with alitretinoin.

Keywords: Alitretinoin; frontal fibrosing alopecia; lichen planus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Alitretinoin / administration & dosage*
  • Alopecia / diagnosis
  • Alopecia / drug therapy*
  • Biopsy
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Disease Progression
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Forehead
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Scalp / pathology*

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Alitretinoin